How to Make Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

There’s nothing quite like soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls straight from the oven. Lightly sweet with a buttery finish, these rolls are perfect for sliders, holiday dinners, or simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter.

Made with pantry staples and a touch of pineapple juice for that signature flavor, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make at home. Let’s bake a batch of golden, pillowy goodness.

Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

Image: theslowtable.com / Photograph by Alyssa

Ingredients

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp salt
• Optional: melted butter for brushing tops

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a small bowl, warm the pineapple juice and milk until lukewarm (about 110°F). Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Add the wet mixture and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead and Rise
   Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
   Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Second Rise
   Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
7. Brush and Serve
   Brush the warm rolls with melted butter if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Make Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

Recipe by The Slow Table TeamCourse: SidesDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¾ tsp salt

• Optional: melted butter for brushing tops

Directions

• Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, warm the pineapple juice and milk until lukewarm (about 110°F). Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Make the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Add the wet mixture and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead and Rise – Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Shape the Rolls – Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
• Second Rise – Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
• Bake – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
• Brush and Serve – Brush the warm rolls with melted butter if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.

Why You’ll Love Them

These homemade Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. Whether you use them for sliders, pair them with dinner, or enjoy them as a snack, you’ll fall in love with the flavor and texture.