Go Back
Golden homemade Hawaiian rolls in baking pan showing fluffy texture and buttery glaze

Easy Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that are incredibly fluffy and tender with a beautiful golden crust. This homemade version tastes even better than store-bought and is perfect for holidays or any dinner table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour plus extra for dusting
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice warmed to 110°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for brushing
Optional Add-ins
  • honey 1 tablespoon for extra sweetness
  • vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon for enhanced flavor
  • coconut extract 1/4 teaspoon for tropical flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • 1 9x13 inch baking pan greased or lined with parchment
  • 1 Kitchen scale optional but recommended for accuracy
  • 1 Clean kitchen towel for covering dough while rising
  • 1 Pastry brush for brushing with melted butter

Method
 

Activate the Yeast
  1. Warm the pineapple juice to 110°F (43°C). In a small bowl, combine the warm pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. Pro tip: If your yeast doesn't foam, it may be expired - start over with fresh yeast for best results.
Make the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of bread flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
  2. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Pro tip: The dough should pass the windowpane test - you should be able to stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Pro tip: Create a warm environment by placing the bowl on top of your refrigerator or in an oven with just the light on.
Shape the Rolls
  1. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 3 oz each if using a scale). Pro tip: For perfectly uniform rolls, weigh each piece - this ensures even baking and professional-looking results.
  2. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by rolling it under your cupped palm. Place the shaped rolls in your greased 9x13 inch pan, spacing them evenly with about 1/2 inch between each roll.
Second Rise and Bake
  1. Cover the shaped rolls with a damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Pro tip: Don't overbake - these rolls continue cooking from residual heat even after removing from the oven.
  3. Remove from oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • Pineapple juice should be warmed to exactly 110°F for proper yeast activation
  • Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky after kneading - add flour gradually
  • Brush with melted butter both before and after baking for the signature soft, glossy crust