Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise, then punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping into rolls and proceeding with the second rise.

Why is my dough not rising?

There could be several reasons: your yeast might be old, the liquid might have been too hot and killed the yeast, or the environment might be too cold. Always check that your yeast is active by seeing if it blooms properly, and ensure you're letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the blooming step and add the yeast directly to the dry ingredients. You'll need about 25% less instant yeast than active dry (about 2 1/4 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon).

Is there a non-dairy version of these rolls?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the egg wash, try brushing with coconut milk instead. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious!

Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

These homemade Hawaiian Rolls are a game-changer for your dinner table! Soft, slightly sweet, and infused with tropical pineapple juice, they’ll transport your taste buds straight to the islands. The pillowy texture and golden tops make these rolls irresistible whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite meal or using them for sliders. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make with common pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Island-Inspired Flavor: The pineapple juice gives these rolls a subtle tropical sweetness that makes them stand out from ordinary dinner rolls.
Perfect Texture: These rolls bake up incredibly soft and fluffy with a beautiful golden crust that’ll make your mouth water just looking at them.
Impressive Yet Doable: Nothing beats the satisfaction of placing a basket of homemade rolls on the table. Your family will think you’ve become a master baker!
Versatile: These rolls work for everything from Sunday dinners to holiday feasts, and they make exceptional sandwich buns for leftover ham or pulled pork.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pineapple Juice: The secret ingredient that gives these rolls their signature Hawaiian flavor and tender texture.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination creates the perfect level of sweetness while the brown sugar adds depth.
Active Yeast: The leavening agent that makes your rolls rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warm flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Butter: Creates tenderness and adds richness to the rolls.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of your rolls. Use a good quality brand for best results.
Bread Flour: Adding just a bit gives the rolls a better structure and chewiness.
Egg Wash: Creates that beautiful golden-brown shine on top of the rolls.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Coconut Hawaiian Rolls

Replace some of the pineapple juice with coconut milk and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the dough for an extra tropical twist.

Honey Hawaiian Rolls

Swap the brown sugar for honey to create a different depth of sweetness.

Mini Slider Rolls

Make 24 smaller rolls instead of 15 for perfect slider buns for your next party.

Whole Wheat Option

Replace up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

How to Make Hawaiian Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Heat pineapple juice to 105-110°F and pour into a small bowl. Add both sugars and stir to dissolve. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy. If nothing happens, your yeast might be expired and it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

While waiting for the yeast to activate, melt the butter and let it cool to below 110°F. Add eggs and cooled melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour to your stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Pour in the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Add the bread flour and continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Mix for another 5 minutes at low speed until you have a firm, slightly tacky dough.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly flour your counter and knead the dough for about 3 minutes, shaping it into a smooth ball. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once doubled, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Fold it a few times to form a long rectangle, then cut into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball by flattening slightly, tucking the edges under, then rolling under your cupped hand in a circular motion.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the shaped rolls in a buttered 9×13 baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise until doubled again, about 1 hour.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash, then bake for 20-25 minutes until beautifully golden brown. When done, brush lightly with melted butter, let rest for 10 minutes, then serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: The pineapple juice needs to be warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Use a thermometer if possible.
Tacky, Not Sticky: The perfect dough should feel slightly tacky but not stick to your fingers. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Create a Warm Environment: For faster, more consistent rising, place your covered dough in an oven with just the light on, or on top of a dryer that’s running.
Don’t Rush the Process: Good bread takes time. The slow rises develop flavor and texture that make these rolls special.
Check for Doneness: Beyond color, the internal temperature of fully baked rolls should reach about 190°F.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These rolls are spectacular with honey butter or pineapple butter spread on top. They’re also ideal for sopping up gravy or sauce from your main dish.

Meal Companions

Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, or any tropical-inspired dish for a cohesive meal theme.

Slider Central

Use these rolls to make amazing ham and cheese sliders, pulled pork sandwiches, or mini burgers that will disappear in seconds at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. No need to refrigerate, as that can actually dry them out faster.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise, then punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping into rolls and proceeding with the second rise.
Why is my dough not rising?

There could be several reasons: your yeast might be old, the liquid might have been too hot and killed the yeast, or the environment might be too cold. Always check that your yeast is active by seeing if it blooms properly, and ensure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the blooming step and add the yeast directly to the dry ingredients. You’ll need about 25% less instant yeast than active dry (about 2 1/4 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon).
Is there a non-dairy version of these rolls?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the egg wash, try brushing with coconut milk instead. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Rolls are more than just bread – they’re a little piece of paradise at your table! With their subtly sweet flavor and cloud-like texture, they’re guaranteed to make any meal feel special. Don’t be intimidated by the process; baking with yeast is actually quite forgiving, and the results are truly worth it. Whether for a weeknight dinner or holiday gathering, these homemade rolls will earn you countless compliments and requests for the recipe. Give them a try – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!