Print

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe

4.6 from 117 reviews

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls enriched with pineapple juice and vanilla extract, giving them a unique tropical flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful side for any meal, these rolls are deliciously buttery and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 3 tsps instant yeast
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsps unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 whole eggs (room temperature)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup whole milk (lukewarm)
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract

Egg Wash and Finishing

  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 tsps milk
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until just combined to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients & Knead: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the eggs, pineapple juice, lukewarm milk, and vanilla extract. Attach a hook to your stand mixer and knead on low speed for 5 minutes to develop the dough. Gradually add softened butter and continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Proof Dough: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it tightly with cling wrap, and let it proof in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size. This step ensures the dough becomes light and airy.
  4. Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 15 equal-sized balls. Arrange the dough balls in five rows of three in a greased or lined 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover again and allow to rest for at least one hour until they double in size.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the whole egg and 2 teaspoons of milk to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the risen dough balls evenly with the egg wash to promote browning and shine during baking.
  6. Bake Rolls: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
  7. Finish with Butter: When the rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with melted butter to give them a rich flavor and soft crust. Let the rolls cool for 5 to 7 minutes before serving to allow the texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Proofing times can vary based on room temperature; ensure dough doubles in size each time before proceeding.
  • If dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour when shaping rolls.
  • These rolls freeze well; cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat frozen rolls wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
  • For a dairy-free variation, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.

Keywords: Hawaiian bread rolls, sweet bread rolls, homemade dinner rolls, pineapple bread, soft bread rolls