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Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe

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.

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 & 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