Hawaiian Rolls have just a hint of sweetness and are so so fluffy. EASY to make and perfect every time. The BEST yeast rolls you’ll ever make.
A friend of mine was talking about how much he missed the Hawaiian rolls he could get when he lived on the West coast. I love King’s Hawaiian rolls I get at the grocery and thought I could make some just as good. We all loved these yeast rolls so much that they have become my go-to yeast roll, and one the girls always ask for when they come home to visit. You’ll find them to be light and fluffy with just a little sweetness which makes them a perfect roll for almost any dish you might be serving. Make them smaller and you have an awesome roll for sliders.
Are Hawaiian rolls from Hawaii
Hawaiian rolls were made by King’s Hawaiian starting in 1950 by a local baker, Robert Taira on the island of Hilo, Hawaii. They were so popular that they couldn’t keep them on the shelves. This is the brand that I’ve tried.
Pineapple juice is the secret ingredient that gives these homemade yeast rolls their unique taste. This Hawaiian roll recipe is just as easy as any other yeast roll and we absolutely love them. What’s even better is that they turn out perfect every time I make them, which is a lot! If you don’t drink a lot of pineapple juice, I find it’s better to buy it in small cans so that you always have some on hand for when you want to make the best dinner rolls ever. If you bought a larger container, use the extra juice and make Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, or Slow Cooker Ribs.
What type of yeast should you use
I prefer to use Active dry yeast rather than Instant yeast. Instant yeast will work in these rolls but the reason I prefer Active dry yeast is that you know right away whether the yeast is alive or not. With Active dry yeast you have to dissolve it in water first. If you add a pinch of sugar the yeast will grow and you’ll know that your rolls will rise. With Instant yeast, it doesn’t need to be dissolved, you just add it with the flour and hope for the best. As long as your yeast has not expired, this shouldn’t be an issue. Either will work, if using instant the rise time may be shorter.
How do you make Hawaiian rolls
Step 1: Dissolve the yeast in warm water until it’s foamy.
Step 2: Add eggs, pineapple juice, sugar, vanilla, milk, and melted butter and combine.
Step 3: Add flour and knead with a dough hook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Let rise until double and divide into 16 balls.
Step 5: At this point you can refrigerate overnight or let them rise one more time.
Step 6: Bake and then brush with butter.
Best way for yeast dough to rise
There are three ways to help dough rise. Since dough likes humidity, if you live in a hot humid climate, cover it and put it outside. But this is a little unpredictable and won’t work in the winter. My favorite way to let yeast dough rise is in the microwave. Place an oven proof bowl filled with water in the microwave and bring it to a boil, about 6 minutes. Leave it in there and keep the door closed. Scoot it to the side and add the bowl of covered dough and shut the door. The microwave will be warm and humid and the perfect out of the way place to let your dough rise.
The other tried a true way is to turn the oven to 200º. Cover the dough and place in the oven and turn the oven OFF.
A nice addition to a savory meal. Perfect by themselves but as always, a little better with butter.
Not only are they a great dinner roll but the added sweetness makes them perfect for sliders with Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken.
Also they are fabulous for Smash Burgers or Spicy Bourbon BBQ Sliders.
Can you freeze Hawaiian yeast rolls
Yeast rolls are almost as good frozen as when they are eaten right away. I’m not sure you’ll be able to tell the difference. There are two different options for freezing:
- After you bake the rolls, let them cool and wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Let thaw and then warm up in a 300º oven for 10 minutes.
- You can freeze the dough after it has been made into balls. Remove from the freezer and let them warm up to room temperature before baking.
What to make with Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Steak Marsala, the slightly sweet rolls compliment the marsala sauce
- Great for when you grill chicken with Peach Glaze
- Delicious with Short Rib Chili
If you don’t want a sweet roll, here are some other bread options you might like
If you make Hawaiian Rolls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! I would love to see your creation.
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Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 4 cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl dissolve yeast in ¼ cup warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit until slightly foamy.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the yeast mixture, eggs, pineapple juice, ¼ cup milk, sugar, vanilla and melted butter. When combined stir salt and flour into dough until a stiff batter is formed. Kneed for 10 minutes using a dough hook.
- Cover and place in a warm place and let rise for 1 hour. When doubled, punch the air out of the dough and turn onto floured surface.
- Divide into 2 equal pieces and then cut each piece into 8 sections for a total of 16 rolls. Form into buns forming them so that the seam is on the bottom and place in 2 buttered pie pans.
- Cover and let rise again until doubled, about an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350º. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove from oven and brush the tops with melted butter. To test if the rolls are done, tap the base of one, it should sound hollow.
Barbara's Tips + Notes
Nutrition
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