Introduction

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and subtly flavored with pineapple juice and vanilla for a delightful tropical twist. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or alongside your favorite meal, these rolls offer a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to impress.

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

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
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 whole egg
2 tsps milk
2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix with a whisk until just combined.
Step 2: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add eggs, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Using a hook attachment, knead on low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add softened butter while mixing, then continue kneading for 2 more minutes until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let it proof for 1½ to 2 hours until it has doubled in size, depending on room temperature.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into 15 equal-sized balls and place them in a 9 x 13-inch non-stick or lined baking dish in 5 rows by 3. Cover and let rest for at least another hour until the dough balls double in size.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the whole egg and 2 tsps milk to make an egg wash. Brush it over the dough balls. Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 22-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with 2 tbsps melted unsalted butter. Allow to cool for at least 5-7 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra tropical flavor, add ¼ cup finely chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut to the dough before the first rise.
Use pineapple juice with no added sugar for a less sweet, more natural taste.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Brush the tops with honey or a sugar glaze after baking for a shiny, sweeter crust.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresher longer, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast by proofing it in warm milk or water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the dry ingredients.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

Ensure your liquids are warm but not hot, and that your yeast is fresh. Also, place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot for proofing. If needed, extend the rising time until the dough doubles in size.

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened dinner rolls infused with pineapple juice and vanilla extract for a unique tropical flavor. This recipe yields 15 golden, buttery rolls perfect for serving alongside dinner or enjoying as a sweet snack.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 15 rolls 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
3 tsps instant yeast
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

6 tbsps unsalted butter (softened)
2 whole eggs (room temperature)
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup whole milk (lukewarm)
2 tsps vanilla extract

Topping

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

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt until just combined to evenly distribute the dry components.
Add Wet Ingredients and Knead Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, pineapple juice, lukewarm milk, and vanilla extract. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add the softened butter and knead for an additional 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and comes together.
First Proofing: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with cling wrap. Let it proof at room temperature for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size, depending on room temperature.
Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough evenly into 15 balls. Arrange the dough balls in a greased or lined 9 x 13 inch baking dish in 5 rows of 3. Cover and let rest for another hour until the dough balls double in size again.
Prepare Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the whole egg and milk to create the egg wash, then brush it over the risen dough balls. Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Brush with Butter and Cool: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the warm rolls with melted butter to add shine and flavor. Allow the rolls to cool for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Room temperature eggs help ingredients combine better for a smooth dough.
Proofing times can vary depending on ambient room temperature; look for dough doubling in size as a good indicator.
Using fresh yeast ensures the best rise and texture.
Brushing the rolls with melted butter right after baking keeps them soft and adds a beautiful glossy finish.

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