I know you know the rolls I’m talking about here. The super soft, fluffy lil Hawaiian rolls from the deli section of the grocery store. And I’ll bet you clicked into this post because you love them too & wanna know how to make em. You’re in the right spot. Homemade Hawaiian rolls coming right up!
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Let’s take a much-needed-but-don’t-wanna-spend-the-money-but-really-would-love-to-getaway trip to the sunny shores of Hawaii. Although I don’t like the sun or beaches like all that, Hawaii gets a thumbs up from me so we’ll head there with every bite of these delectable homemade Hawaiian rolls. Bursting with the sweet flavors of pineapple juice and brown sugar, these soft, fluffy rolls are borderline addicting.
So whether you’re planning a family dinner or just the Saturday cookout for this weekend I can guarantee you these irresistible rolls will steal the show. No matter how much of a grill master you might have in the fam.
There’s something truly magical about even just the smell of these. Add to it that freshly baked bread aroma & your kitchen…no – your whole house will be filled with it. This homemade Hawaiian rolls recipe begins with a simple combination of pineapple juice, melted butter & brown sugar. And if that doesn’t just make you wanna get in the kitchen to get it going, I suspect nothing will.
That combo though is what gives the dough that hint of tropical sweetness. And as it rises and bakes, if you can just stand there and ooze into the scent, you’ll start imagining you really are on a sun-drenched beach somewhere!
The Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a key part in any recipe. So the ones in this homemade Hawaiian roll recipe are no different. I mean, we are trying to create that signature flavor and texture that sets these rolls apart. They are iconic.
Starting with flour, the dough is enriched with that perfect combination of pineapple juice, melted butter, and brown sugar. Active dry yeast helps the dough rise & this is what gives you that soft, pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth. I like to buy my yeast in bulk because it’s one of my pantry staples. I freeze it so I always have some on hand for any baking adventure that comes my way & this saves me time & money!
Related post: 8 Pantry Staples of the Self-Sufficient Kitchen
Now you could also add some potato flour if you want an extra touch of lightness. It’ll also give it just the subtlest depth of flavor too. Which, spoiler alert, if you add the potato flour these become potato rolls. Not too far off the potato bread that maybe your mom used to buy from the store too. That ultra yellow loaf you know what I mean?
Add it or don’t, these homemade Hawaiian rolls are simple, flavorful & truly unforgettable.
What Occasion are Homemade Hawaiian Rolls Good For?
One of the best things about homemade Hawaiian rolls is their versatility.
They’re the perfect addition to a wide range of dishes. Savory meats go well inside them. They eat well with on the side of dinner too!
Serve them with your favorite soup for a comforting weeknight meal or make some bomb sliders for your next game day gathering or cookout.
The best part of baking is sharing the perfect creation with others and these homemade Hawaiian rolls are no exception. You don’t need to make them for a special occasion but you can. Just gather around the table, break out the butter which you don’t even really need & get right down into it!
Tips for Success
Alright, so you’re ready kinda to jump in, but what’s probably holding you back is that making homemade bread can be intimidating at first. Don’t worry about that with this recipe though. It’s simple and straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
When it comes to the flour, be sure to stir your container first to aerate it. Whip some air into it so it’s not compacted. If it is, or if you just stick a measuring scooper in it you will measure out much more than you need. And I know – 1 cup is 1 cup right? Wrong. One cup of compacted (packed) flour is more than 1 cup of fluffed flour. Fluff the flour. Or use a kitchen scale. (1 cup of all-purpose flour is 120g)
You’ll get the best results though by using fresh ingredients & just following the recipe straight off. Allow plenty of time for the dough to rise. Goodness takes time. It will be worth your wait, I promise. Don’t rush this. What makes these sweet Hawaiian rolls so iconic is their light and airy texture. So, be patient!
And if you want to make & freeze these delicious rolls, you won’t regret it!
You’ve got this lovely!
Homemade Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 bench scraper optional
- 1 9 x 13-inch pan or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup melted butter additional butter as needed for eating
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup potato flour optional, for added texture
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add pineapple juice, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and potato flour (if using) to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use a bench scraper to work the bits of dough back into the dough as you work. You want a nice smooth ball by the time you're done.
- Place the dough in a large bowl that's been buttered well, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into individual rolls. Shape each portion into a ball & place the shaped rolls onto a greased 9 x 13-inch pan or baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. This is your second rise & it's going to give you better results than if you bake straight after the forming your homemade Hawaiian rolls. If you used a casserole pan (like I do) the rolls will rise up, taller because they're touching. If you use a baking sheet, they will rise out, wider.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen rolls with melted butter.
- Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can have a small bowl of melted garlic herb butter on the side, but it's really not necessary at all.
Notes
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