Print

Tender Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

tender hawaiian sweet rolls - featured image

Soft, fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls with a subtle tropical flavor from pineapple juice and a tender crumb thanks to buttermilk. Perfect for beginners and every occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (75g), softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup buttermilk (180ml), warmed
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (120ml), preferably fresh or 100% juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm buttermilk (about 110°F/43°C) with pineapple juice and sugar. Stir gently, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with softened butter and vanilla extract.
  4. Form the dough: Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it along with the egg and butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough starts to come together.
  5. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a teaspoon of flour at a time if too sticky.
  6. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 70g each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them side by side in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pan with a towel or lightly greased plastic wrap. Let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Butter finish: Brush the rolls generously with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
  11. Cool and enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.

Notes

Use warm liquids (about 110°F) to activate yeast. Don’t rush the rises for best texture. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a tender crust. Fresh pineapple juice is best but canned works if strained. For gluten-free, use a bread flour blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, substitute butter and buttermilk with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian sweet rolls, soft rolls, pineapple rolls, sweet bread, homemade rolls, easy bread recipe, fluffy rolls