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Easy Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

Hawaiian Bread Rolls

These Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet — just like the bakery favorite! Made with pineapple juice for that signature tropical flavor, these rolls are perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or served warm with butter. They’re golden on the outside, pillowy inside, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any meal or gathering.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm pineapple juice about 110°F / 43°C
  • ¼ cup warm milk
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • For Brushing
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for after baking

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook mixer
  • Baking dish (9x13-inch)
  • Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast
  2. In a small bowl, combine warm pineapple juice, milk, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
  3. Make the Dough
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
  5. Add Flour
  6. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  7. Knead
  8. Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or with a dough hook (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  9. First Rise
  10. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  11. Shape Rolls
  12. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  13. Second Rise
  14. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  15. Bake
  16. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
  17. Brush with Butter
  18. Immediately brush warm rolls with melted butter for a glossy, soft finish.
  19. Serve
  20. Enjoy warm, plain, or with honey butter!

Notes

Make sure your pineapple juice and milk are warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly.
For extra sweetness, brush rolls with honey butter after baking.
These rolls freeze beautifully — cool completely, wrap, and store up to 2 months.
Great for sliders, pulled pork sandwiches, or holiday dinners!