Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Introduction
If you’ve ever enjoyed those soft, sweet, and slightly buttery Hawaiian rolls from the store, you’ll love this homemade version. Hawaiian Dinner Rolls are known for their golden tops, tender texture, and hint of tropical sweetness that comes from pineapple juice. They’re perfect as dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or even for sliders. Making them from scratch might sound intimidating, but the process is simple once you understand the steps. With a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can bake bakery-quality rolls right at home.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pineapple juice (room temperature)
- ¼ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3¼ to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing tops
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, warm milk (around 100°F), and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that your yeast is active and ready to work. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add in 3¼ cups of flour and salt. Mix using a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time — but avoid over-flouring to keep the rolls soft. - Knead the Dough:
Knead for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Lightly grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spaced slightly apart. - Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for another 45–60 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. - Finish:
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter right after removing them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve these Hawaiian rolls warm with butter, honey, or as a side to ham, turkey, or barbecue dishes. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Conclusion
These homemade Hawaiian Dinner Rolls are a crowd-pleaser — soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a summer cookout, or a casual family dinner, these rolls will make any table feel extra special.