Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Activate the Yeast
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
