Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened with pineapple juice for a tropical twist. Perfect for breakfast or as a side, these rolls bring a delightful aroma and flavor to your table.

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 (for egg wash)
• 2 tsps milk (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt using a whisk attachment until just mixed.
2. Step 2: Create a well in the dry ingredients and add eggs, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Use a hook attachment and knead on low speed for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Gradually add softened butter while continuing to knead for 2 more minutes until a smooth dough forms.
4. Step 4: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let it proof for 1½ to 2 hours until doubled in size depending on room temperature.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide into 15 equal balls and place in a greased or lined 9 x 13 inch baking dish in 5 rows of 3.
6. Step 6: Cover the dough balls and let them rest for another hour until they double in size again.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together 1 egg and 2 tsp milk for the egg wash, then brush it over the dough balls.
8. Step 8: Bake on the middle oven rack for 22-25 minutes until golden on top.
9. Step 9: Remove rolls from oven and brush with 2 tbsp melted butter. Let cool for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and produce soft rolls.
• Try adding a teaspoon of coconut extract alongside vanilla for a more tropical flavor.
• For a shinier crust, brush the rolls with additional butter while warm.
• You can substitute whole milk with non-dairy milk like almond or coconut for a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or milk, but the rolls will lose some of their signature sweet, tropical flavor.

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened yeast rolls infused with pineapple juice and vanilla, offering a tropical twist on classic dinner rolls. These rolls are perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful snack, featuring a golden crust brushed with butter for added richness.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 & Finishing

• 1 whole egg
• 2 tsps milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted) – for brushing after baking

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until just combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, pineapple juice, lukewarm milk, and vanilla extract. Using the hook attachment, knead on low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add softened butter while mixing and continue kneading for another 2 minutes until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball.
3. First Proof: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let it proof for 1½ to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size, depending on room temperature.
4. Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and move it to a floured surface. Divide into 15 equal-sized dough balls and place them in a 9 x 13-inch non-stick or lined baking dish in 5 rows of 3. Cover and let them rest for another hour until the dough balls double in size again.
5. Prepare Oven and Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the whole egg with 2 teaspoons of milk to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the dough balls gently with the egg wash to ensure a shiny golden crust.
6. Bake: Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 22-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
7. Brush with Butter and Cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the melted butter. Allow to cool for 5-7 minutes before serving to let flavors set and avoid burning your mouth.

Notes

• Ensure milk is lukewarm to activate yeast properly but not hot to kill it.
• Room temperature eggs help make the dough smoother and fluffier.
• Proofing times vary with room temperature; a warmer kitchen will speed up the fermentation.
• Brush dough balls gently with egg wash to avoid deflating them.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels precisely.
• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of pineapple zest into the dough.

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