Now, everyone can agree that Hawaiian rolls are simply yummy. They are soft, fluffy, moderately sweet, and perfect to eat with dinner. You probably know which ones I am talking about—those golden rolls in buttery flavor that come in small orange packets at the grocery store. However, there is one thing that I believe is true. Hawaiian rolls made at home are far tastier compared to store-bought ones. And I mean way, way better.
Making them from scratch might sound like a project, but trust me, if you’ve got a little patience (and maybe some butter-loving energy), you’re about to bake up a batch that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. So let’s get into it—your kitchen is about to smell unreal.
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Quick Guide
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Why Homemade Hawaiian Rolls Are Worth It
Look, I get it. Grabbing a pack at the grocery store is easy. But homemade Hawaiian rolls? They hit different. Here’s why:
- Better Flavor – Store-bought ones are good, but when you make them yourself, you get that rich, fresh-baked flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Fluffier Texture – Freshly baked rolls have that pull-apart softness you just can’t get from a plastic bag.
- No Weird Ingredients – No preservatives, no artificial flavors. Just real ingredients that taste amazing.
- Perfect for Any Meal – Whether you’re making sliders, soaking up gravy, or just eating them warm with butter (highly recommend), these rolls are it.
Alright, let’s get baking!
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What are the ingredients in Hawaiian rolls?
For these homemade Hawaiian rolls, you’ll need:
Dough:
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup pineapple juice (yes, really—this is the secret!)
- ¼ cup whole milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Wash & Butter Glaze:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
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How to Make Hawaiian Rolls
Alright, time to get serious. Do not worry if you have never made homemade rolls before. This is one of those recipes that is simple because most of the work is done for you. All you need to do is:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk and pineapple juice. Add in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy. That foam means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Firstly, add flour, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Then incorporate the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Finally, mix until everything forms a sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
If you are using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 7-8 minutes. For hand kneading, place the dough on a floured surface and knead continuously for approximately 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Spray the bowl with butter, place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 1 ½ to 2 hours in a warm place, preferably somewhere it won’t be disturbed. (You will need to be patient during this step, though I assure you it will be worth the wait.)
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, lightly deflate it by punching it down. Cut the dough into 15 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Place the balls in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let the rolls rise again, covered, for about 45 minutes or until they have expanded enough to touch each other.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Set your oven to 350°F in advance. Mix the egg and milk for an egg wash, then apply it to the rolls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture turns golden brown.
Step 8: Butter Time!
Right after taking them out of the oven, roll the dough in melted butter. (Although it sounds trivial, this is the secret to getting that glossy look every one craves for).
Cool them off a little, and voila, relish them!
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Ways to Use Hawaiian Rolls
These Hawaiian rolls are not just for dinner. Here are some solid ways to enjoy them:
- Sliders – Pulled pork, ham and Swiss, or even breakfast sandwiches? These rolls make killer sliders.
- Dipping – Perfect for sopping up soups, stews, and gravies.
- French Toast – Leftovers? Turn them into the fluffiest French toast ever.
- Straight-Up Buttered – Honestly, sometimes simple is best. Warm, buttery, and gone in seconds.
What makes Hawaiian rolls different?
They set themselves apart because Hawaiian rolls have a sweet buttery finish which is distinct to their style. Fermentation occurs and also adds fluffiness to the dough because of the included pineapple juice that Hawaiian rolls have. Furthermore, Hawaiian rolls have more butter which increases the rich taste of the roll. Vanilla extract is also available in some recipes, making the rolls even more fragrant.
While baking rolls, brushing them with egg wash aids in achieving the signature golden top. The buttery finish along with a glossy appearance helps set Hawaiian rolls apart from other types of rolls. These rolls further help enhance the flavor in nearly any dish, be it sliders, soup, or consumed along. They truly are magical!
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The Best Dessert to Serve with Hawaiian Rolls
Alright, so you’ve got your warm, buttery Hawaiian rolls on the table. Now, what’s the perfect dessert to go with them? If you ask me, it’s gotta be Olympics Chocolate Muffins. These muffins are rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent. After enjoying that slightly sweet, pillowy bread, biting into a warm, gooey chocolate muffin? Absolute perfection.
And hey, if you wanna get wild, slice a Hawaiian roll in half and spread some chocolate spread or peanut butter on it. You didn’t hear that from me… but also, you totally did.
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What can I make with Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are crazy versatile, so you can do way more than just eat them with butter (though, let’s be real, that’s always a solid choice). Here are some delicious ways to use Hawaiian rolls:
Savory Ideas
- Sliders – Make ham and Swiss, pulled pork, or cheeseburger sliders by baking them with melted butter and seasonings.
- Mini Sandwiches – Slice them in half and stack with chicken salad, egg salad, or turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Bread Pudding – Hawaiian rolls add a little sweetness to classic bread pudding—just soak, bake, and enjoy!
- Dipping for Soups & Stews – These rolls are perfect for soaking up broth in chicken noodle, gumbo, or tomato soup.
- Breakfast Casserole – Use them in a French toast bake or a savory egg and sausage casserole.
Sweet Ideas
- Chocolate-Stuffed Rolls – Slice them open, stuff with chocolate or Nutella, and toast until melty.
- Hawaiian Roll Strawberry Shortcake – Use them instead of shortcake, top with whipped cream and strawberries!
- Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Dip in egg mixture and pan-fry for the fluffiest French toast ever.
- Honey Butter Hawaiian Rolls – Brush them with honey butter for a simple but next-level treat.
So yeah, Hawaiian rolls aren’t just a side—they’re a whole meal upgrade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Hawaiian rolls have pineapple juice?
A: Pineapple juice gives them their signature slight sweetness and soft texture. It also helps with the fermentation process, making them extra fluffy.
Q: Can I make Hawaiian rolls ahead of time?
A: Indeed, it’s possible for you to prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure you bring it back to room temperature before you shape and bake it.
Q: How do I store leftover rolls?
A: You can place them in an airtight container and leave them at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for 3 months – just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
A: Totally! Just add the ingredients in the order your machine suggests, then let it handle the kneading and first rise. Shape the dough by hand, then continue from Step 5.
Q: What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
A: You need some sweetness, so you can swap it for orange juice or a mix of water and a tablespoon of honey.
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Reader Feedback
Carl M.“I made these Hawaiian rolls for a family dinner, and WOW—they were a hit! So soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. I even used a few the next morning for French toast, and it was amazing. Definitely making these again!”
Jordan D.“I was nervous about making bread from scratch, but this recipe was so easy to follow! The rolls turned out perfectly fluffy, and my kids devoured them in minutes. Next time, I’m using them for sliders!”
Your Comments Help Us! Have you tried making these soft and buttery Hawaiian rolls? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear how they turned out for you—whether you enjoyed them as a side, used them for sliders, or just devoured them warm with butter. Your feedback helps everyone who reads it!
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So that’s it; these homemade Hawaiian rolls will literally change your approach to baking. They are buttery, a little sugary, and very soft—so much so that they almost dissolve in your mouth. Whether it’s serving them with soup, enjoying them warm with butter, or making sliders out of it, these rolls are a welcome treat.
So why wait? Go ahead and prepare a batch and see them vanish within minutes. And oh, don’t leave without an Olympics Chocolate Muffin for dessert! You will treasure the decision.