Homemade Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Hawaiian rolls are a sweet, fluffy, slightly buttery bread that has become a staple in many households. Originally popularized by King’s Hawaiian in the 1950s, these rolls are known for their unique sweetness, soft texture, and golden-brown crust. Whether served as a side dish, used for sliders, or enjoyed as a snack, Hawaiian rolls are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

This article will guide you through making these delightful rolls from scratch. We’ll provide a straightforward recipe, including a table of ingredients with both U.S. and metric measurements, along with tips and tricks to ensure your rolls are always perfect.

The Origins of Hawaiian Rolls

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly explore the origins of Hawaiian rolls. These rolls are inspired by the Portuguese sweet bread brought to Hawaii by immigrants in the 19th century. The bread was traditionally made with milk, sugar, and eggs, giving it a rich and sweet flavor. Over time, the recipe evolved in Hawaii, incorporating local flavors and ingredients, which resulted in the iconic Hawaiian roll we know today.

Hawaiian rolls gained popularity on the U.S. mainland when Robert Taira, the founder of King’s Hawaiian, started baking and selling them in Hilo, Hawaii, in the 1950s. Today, King’s Hawaiian rolls are a beloved product found in grocery stores across the country, but there’s something special about making them from scratch at home.

Why Make Hawaiian Rolls at Home?

While buying pre-made Hawaiian rolls is convenient, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your preferences. Homemade rolls are free from preservatives and artificial additives, and you can experiment with different variations, such as adding pineapple juice for extra sweetness or a touch of honey for a more complex flavor.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. The satisfaction of pulling warm, golden-brown rolls out of the oven is a rewarding experience that you and your family will love.

The Easy Basic Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Let’s get started with a simple and easy recipe for making Hawaiian rolls at home. This recipe yields about 12 rolls, perfect for a family meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s a table of ingredients with both U.S. and metric measurements to make it easy for you to follow along, no matter where you are.

Ingredient	U.S. Measurement	Metric Measurement
All-purpose flour	4 cups	500 g
Granulated sugar	1/3 cup	67 g
Instant yeast	2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)	7 g
Salt	1 teaspoon	5 g
Unsalted butter	1/4 cup (melted)	57 g
Pineapple juice	1/2 cup	120 ml
Whole milk	1/2 cup	120 ml
Eggs	2 large	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	5 ml
Additional butter (for brushing)	2 tablespoons	28 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is melted but not hot, and the eggs are at room temperature. This will help everything mix together more smoothly.

2. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) with the instant yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it ensures that your yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Combine the pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand using a wooden spoon. The dough should start to come together, forming a soft and slightly sticky ball.

5. Knead the Dough

If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

6. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by cupping it in your hand and rolling it on a lightly floured surface.

8. Second Rise

Place the dough balls into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

9. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

10. Brush with Butter

As soon as you remove the rolls from the oven, brush them with melted butter. This gives the rolls a beautiful shine and adds a rich, buttery flavor.

11. Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they also store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hawaiian Rolls

Making bread at home can seem daunting, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

1. Measure Accurately

One of the keys to successful bread making is accurate measurements, especially when it comes to flour. Too much flour can make the rolls dense and dry, while too little can result in a sticky dough that doesn’t rise properly. Use a kitchen scale for the best results.

2. Keep Your Ingredients at the Right Temperature

Room-temperature ingredients mix together more easily and help the dough rise better. If your eggs are cold, place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before using them.

3. Don’t Skip the Kneading

Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which is essential for creating the soft, fluffy texture that Hawaiian rolls are known for. If you’re kneading by hand, it’s important to be patient and knead for the full 10 minutes.

4. Create a Warm Environment for Rising

Bread dough rises best in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm spot by turning your oven on to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off before placing the dough inside to rise.

5. Use Pineapple Juice for Authentic Flavor

Pineapple juice is the secret ingredient that gives Hawaiian rolls their signature sweetness. It not only adds flavor but also contributes to the tender texture of the rolls. Make sure to use 100% pineapple juice without added sugar.

6. Experiment with Flavors

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative. You can add different flavors to your dough, such as honey, brown sugar, or even a touch of coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle the tops of the rolls with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking for added texture and flavor.

7. Make Ahead and Freeze

Hawaiian rolls freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep. After the rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

8. Use a Thermometer

If you’re unsure whether your rolls are fully baked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the rolls should be around 190°F (88°C) when they’re done.

9. Don’t Overbake

Overbaking can result in dry rolls. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn a golden brown color.

10. Add a Sweet Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or pineapple juice. This adds a shiny finish and enhances the sweet flavor of the rolls.

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Rolls

Hawaiian rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Sliders

Use Hawaiian rolls as the base for sliders. They pair perfectly with savory fillings like pulled pork, ham and cheese, or even mini burgers. The sweetness of the rolls complements the savory flavors beautifully.

2. Breakfast Rolls

Turn your Hawaiian rolls into a breakfast treat by serving them

with butter and jam, or use them to make breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and cheese.

3. Side Dish

Serve Hawaiian rolls as a side dish with your favorite meals. They go particularly well with roasted meats, barbecue, or even a simple soup or salad.

4. French Toast

Transform leftover rolls into decadent French toast. The sweetness of the rolls makes them an ideal candidate for this breakfast favorite. Simply slice the rolls in half, dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and cook them on a griddle until golden brown.

5. Bread Pudding

Hawaiian rolls can also be used to make a rich and delicious bread pudding. Tear the rolls into pieces, soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, then bake until set. Serve with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

6. Sandwiches

Hawaiian rolls make great sandwich bread. Try them with deli meats, cheese, and your favorite condiments for a quick and tasty lunch.

7. Garlic Rolls

For a savory twist, brush the rolls with garlic butter before baking. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a deliciously fragrant and flavorful variation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best recipe and tips, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Hawaiian rolls, along with solutions to help you troubleshoot:

1. Dough Didn’t Rise

If your dough didn’t rise, it could be due to a few factors:

• Inactive Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast. If it’s past its prime, it might not work effectively. Also, ensure your milk was warm (but not too hot) when activating the yeast.
• Cold Environment: If your kitchen is too cold, the dough might take longer to rise. Try placing the dough in a warm spot, such as inside a turned-off oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
• Over-Kneading: While kneading is essential, over-kneading can make the dough too stiff and prevent it from rising properly. Aim for a soft, elastic dough that’s not too tough.

2. Rolls Are Too Dense

If your rolls turned out dense instead of fluffy:

• Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough heavy. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and add it gradually.
• Not Enough Kneading: Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Not Enough Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. Rushing this step can result in dense rolls.

3. Rolls Are Too Sweet

If the rolls are too sweet for your taste, you can adjust the amount of sugar or pineapple juice in the recipe. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar too much can affect the texture and flavor of the rolls, so make adjustments gradually.

4. Rolls Are Dry

Dry rolls can be the result of:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from drying out. They should be just golden brown on top.
• Not Enough Butter: Brushing the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven helps keep them moist and adds a rich flavor.

5. Rolls Didn’t Brown Evenly

If your rolls didn’t brown evenly:

• Oven Hot Spots: Uneven browning can be caused by hot spots in your oven. Try rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
• Crowded Pan: Make sure there’s enough space between each roll in the pan to allow for even heat circulation.

Conclusion

Making Hawaiian rolls at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these sweet, fluffy rolls at their freshest. With this easy recipe and a few helpful tips, you can create rolls that are just as delicious as the ones you find in stores—if not better.

Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, using them for sandwiches, or simply enjoying them warm out of the oven with a pat of butter, homemade Hawaiian rolls are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake the best Hawaiian rolls you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!