Hawaiian Roll Recipe: There’s something truly magical about Hawaiian rolls. That slightly sweet, ultra-soft texture that melts in your mouth with every bite—it’s like a little pillow of heaven. If you’ve ever picked up a pack from the store and found yourself finishing half before dinner even started, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
But here’s the thing—homemade Hawaiian rolls? They’re on another level. Freshly baked with love, using quality ingredients, and tailored to your taste, these rolls are not only easy to make, but they’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery in paradise. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, a barbecue, or just want an excuse to bake something delicious, this recipe will have you coming back for more.
So, tie on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake the softest, fluffiest, most flavorful Hawaiian rolls you’ve ever had. Ready? Let’s do this.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Hawaiian rolls doesn’t require anything too fancy, but the magic lies in how these ingredients come together. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients Overview
- All-purpose flour – 4 cups (plus extra for kneading)
- Instant or active dry yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
- Pineapple juice – ¾ cup (for that signature sweetness)
- Whole milk – ½ cup, warm
- Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons, melted (plus more for brushing)
- Granulated sugar – ⅓ cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Notes on Each Ingredient
- Pineapple juice: This is what sets Hawaiian rolls apart from your average dinner rolls. It adds natural sweetness and a unique tang.
- Yeast: Either instant or active dry works. Just be sure to proof it if you’re using active dry.
- Butter: Melted butter gives richness to the dough and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- Milk: Warm (not hot!) milk helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough.
- Sugar: A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor and feed the yeast.
- Eggs: They help bind everything and contribute to the soft, rich texture.
These ingredients blend together to make rolls that are slightly sweet, super fluffy, and oh-so-addictive.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you jump into mixing and kneading, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. It makes the process smoother (and more fun!).
Essential Baking Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Kitchen thermometer (for checking milk temp)
- 9×13 baking pan
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel (for proofing)
Optional but Helpful Tools
- Bench scraper (for handling dough)
- Pastry brush (for butter glaze)
- Cooling rack
- Kitchen scale (for precision)
Having these tools ready saves time and keeps things from getting messy mid-recipe.
Preparation Tips Before You Start
Let’s get real—baking bread can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not a regular baker. But don’t worry. With these tips, you’ll be rolling (literally) in no time.
Tips for First-Time Bakers
- Read through the entire recipe first. This might sound obvious, but it helps avoid surprises.
- Get your ingredients to room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down yeast activity.
- Don’t rush the rising process. Good things take time, and that includes fluffy rolls.
Ensuring Dough Success
- Watch your liquid temperature. Yeast likes it warm (around 105°F–110°F). Too hot, and it dies. Too cold, and it snoozes.
- Humidity helps. Cover your dough while it rises, and place it in a warm, slightly humid spot like inside an oven (turned off) with a cup of warm water.
Now that you’re set up, it’s go time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hawaiian Rolls
Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you’ll have a batch of golden, fluffy Hawaiian rolls in no time.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm milk or water to 105–110°F (40–43°C). Add a spoonful of sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and salt. These ingredients give Hawaiian rolls their signature sweetness, rich flavor, and soft texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, add part of the flour. Slowly pour in the wet mixture along with the activated yeast. Continue adding flour gradually until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft, slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour—Hawaiian rolls are meant to be soft and pillowy.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rise (First Proof)
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Divide and Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.
Step 8: Second Rise
Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 10: Optional Honey Butter Glaze
Brush warm rolls with melted butter mixed with honey for a glossy, sweet finish. Enjoy warm!
Baking Tips for Soft, Fluffy Rolls
Perfecting Hawaiian rolls is more about technique than fancy ingredients. These tips will help you bake like a pro:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-flouring the dough: It’s tempting to keep adding flour when the dough feels sticky, but resist the urge. Too much flour will make your rolls dense.
- Skipping the second rise: This final proof is crucial for light and fluffy texture. Don’t rush it!
- Oven too hot: Baking at a higher temp might brown the tops too fast before the insides are fully cooked.
Tricks for Extra Soft Rolls
- Use bread flour: Swapping some of your all-purpose flour for bread flour can give a chewier texture, thanks to the higher protein content.
- Brush with butter right out of the oven: This not only adds flavor but keeps the tops soft.
- Steam during baking: Placing a pan of hot water in the oven while baking can help create a steamy environment, keeping the rolls from drying out.
If your rolls come out a bit dry or too dense, don’t be discouraged. Every oven and kitchen is a bit different—adjusting your rise times and flour amounts will help dial in that perfect texture next time.
How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Rolls
One of the best things about these rolls? They’re just as good the next day—and the day after that (if they last that long).
Storing for Freshness
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended. It tends to dry out the rolls faster.
Reheating Without Drying Them Out
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness:
- Wrap a few rolls in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Or pop them in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top for 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll turn rubbery.
Can You Freeze Hawaiian Rolls?
Absolutely! These rolls freeze beautifully, both before and after baking.
How to Freeze Properly
- Before baking: Shape the dough into rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, then bake as directed.
- After baking: Let the rolls cool completely, then store in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Thawing Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let frozen rolls thaw at room temperature. Reheat as above for that fresh-baked taste.
Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Rolls
Hawaiian rolls are incredibly versatile—they’re not just a dinner side!
Meals That Go Perfectly
- Holiday feasts: Think Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas.
- BBQ spreads: Serve alongside ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
- Breakfast sandwich base: Slather with egg, cheese, and bacon for a hearty morning bite.
Creative Uses
- Mini sliders: Perfect for party appetizers.
- Bread pudding: Use stale rolls to make a rich, sweet dessert.
- French toast bites: Dip in egg custard, fry, and serve with syrup. Yes, please.
Basically, if there’s food, Hawaiian rolls can be part of it.
Variations and Flavor Add-Ins
Want to take your Hawaiian rolls up a notch? Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start having some fun with it. There’s so much room to experiment with flavor without losing that signature soft, slightly sweet bite.
Savory Additions
- Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Add a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar to the center of each dough ball before baking. When you pull them apart, you’ll get that glorious cheese stretch.
- Garlic Herb Topping: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) and brush it on before or after baking.
- Jalapeño and Cheddar: Mix chopped pickled jalapeños and shredded cheddar directly into the dough for a spicy, savory twist.
Sweet Variations
- Coconut Rolls: Add shredded sweetened coconut to the dough and sprinkle some on top before baking for a tropical vibe.
- Cinnamon Butter Rolls: Brush the shaped rolls with a mix of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar before baking for a dessert-style version.
- Lemon Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice and drizzle over baked rolls for a bright, sweet finish.
These ideas just scratch the surface. Once you understand the base dough, you can really let your creativity shine.
Making Hawaiian Rolls Gluten-Free
Gluten-free baking can be a bit tricky, especially with yeast doughs, but it’s definitely doable. Hawaiian rolls can be made gluten-free with the right substitutions and a little patience.
Gluten-Free Substitutions
- Flour: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum (or add it separately if your blend doesn’t).
- Adjust Liquids: Gluten-free flour often absorbs moisture differently. You may need slightly more liquid or less flour, depending on the brand.
Adjustments in the Recipe
- Mixing and Kneading: Gluten-free dough won’t have the same elasticity, so don’t expect it to look or feel the same. Mix until just combined, and don’t over-knead.
- Shaping: The dough might be stickier and harder to shape into balls. Use greased hands and shape gently.
- Rise Time: Gluten-free dough might not rise as dramatically. Let it rise until slightly puffed, not necessarily doubled.
The result won’t be identical to the original version, but you’ll still get sweet, soft rolls that are gluten-free and delicious.
How to Make Them Vegan
Craving Hawaiian rolls but need to skip the dairy and eggs? No problem. With a few swaps, you can make them totally vegan and still irresistible.
Dairy and Egg Replacements
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
- Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or neutral oil like avocado or coconut oil.
- Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 mins) or use a commercial egg replacer.
Vegan Honey Alternatives
If you’re strict vegan and want to avoid honey, you can brush the rolls with:
- Maple syrup and vegan butter mix
- Agave nectar and coconut oil combo
- Vegan “honee” (some stores carry this bee-free alternative)
These swaps allow everyone to enjoy the fluffy, golden goodness without sacrificing dietary preferences.
FAQs about Hawaiian Roll Recipe
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions bakers have when making Hawaiian rolls from scratch:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, skipping the proofing step. Just be sure your other liquids are warm (not hot) to help it activate properly.
Why is my dough so sticky?
Sticky dough is normal at first. Resist the urge to over-flour it. Use lightly floured hands or oil your hands when kneading to manage stickiness without drying out the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Just cover it tightly and use within 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and rise a bit more before shaping and baking.
How sweet are Hawaiian rolls supposed to be?
They should be subtly sweet—not dessert-level, but definitely sweeter than standard dinner rolls. You can adjust the sugar slightly based on personal preference.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can sub in orange juice or apple juice with a splash of lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Pineapple juice is key to that iconic taste.
Conclusion
Making Hawaiian rolls from scratch may take a bit of time and patience, but it’s absolutely worth it. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday dinner, casual weekend meal, or simply because you’re craving that sweet, fluffy perfection, this recipe is a surefire winner.
And the best part? Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless—from savory twists to sweet add-ons, gluten-free versions to vegan delights. It’s a baking adventure that keeps on giving.
So go ahead—get your hands floury, enjoy the process, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the joy of homemade Hawaiian rolls. Because let’s be honest: nothing store-bought can beat that soft, golden, buttery magic made right in your own kitchen.
