Homemade Hawaiian Rolls: Your Guide to Perfectly Sweet, Fluffy Bread
There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from freshly baked bread, and when it’s soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet, it’s simply irresistible. Everybody’s favorite — the beloved soft and fluffy Hawaiian bread — can now be effortlessly made right in your own kitchen! These irresistibly sweet homemade Hawaiian rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re the star of any meal, destined to become a staple at your dinner table or a cherished treat for any occasion.
The Irresistible Charm of Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
While many know and love Hawaiian rolls, their origins are often a delightful surprise. My personal connection to Hawaii, having spent my college years doing homework on its beautiful beaches, opened my eyes to a world of diverse foods and rich cultures. Among the many culinary treasures, the sweet, pillowy rolls stood out.
What most people recognize as Hawaiian rolls actually has roots in a Portuguese sweet bread known as Pão Doce. Immigrant workers brought this cherished recipe to the islands, where it evolved into the iconic sweet, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth bread we enjoy today. Crafting these rolls at home brings a touch of that island magic right to your table, offering a warmth and freshness that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Why These Sweet Dinner Rolls Are a Must-Try Recipe
Once you experience the soft, cloud-like texture and delicate sweetness of homemade Hawaiian rolls, you’ll understand why they’re so universally loved. These versatile rolls are perfect for almost any meal or snack. Imagine starting your day with them for breakfast, lightly toasted and slathered with butter, paired with your favorite coffee. But where they truly shine is as the ultimate dinner rolls, complementing any main course with their inviting flavor and comforting texture.
Beyond being fantastic dinner companions, these sweet rolls are also excellent for appetizers and entertaining. They form the perfect base for savory sliders, creating mini sandwiches that are always a crowd-pleaser. Think Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders, or hearty Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken Sliders. Planning a larger gathering? No problem! This recipe doubles easily, ensuring you have plenty of these delightful bites for everyone. Whether for a casual family meal or a festive holiday spread, these rolls consistently impress.
The Secret to Achieving Tender, Fluffy Dough
Perfecting this Hawaiian roll recipe has been a journey, taking several attempts to recreate that authentic taste and texture I remember. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t even need a stand mixer, although feel free to use your KitchenAid if you prefer – a large mixing bowl and a whisk will do the trick perfectly. The most crucial secret to keeping these rolls incredibly tender and soft is to be mindful of the flour. Avoid adding too much! The dough should remain slightly sticky, and that’s precisely how you want it for optimal fluffiness and moisture. This delicate balance ensures each roll melts in your mouth.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
Creating these delightful rolls begins with a few basic ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their signature sweetness and pillowy texture. The quality and temperature of your ingredients can make a significant difference, so paying attention to these details will ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.
- Milk: Provides richness and activates the yeast. Ensure it’s warmed to the correct temperature.
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives the rolls their rise and fluffiness.
- Sugar: Not only sweetens the rolls but also feeds the yeast, aiding in fermentation.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds incredible tenderness, moisture, and a rich flavor. Cooling it slightly after melting is key.
- Large Eggs: Contribute to the richness, color, and structure of the rolls, making them sturdy yet tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough. Measuring by weight (ounces/grams) is recommended for precision.
Ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cooled to about 85F or less
- 2 large eggs
- 16.8 ounces all-purpose flour, plus more for sprinkling surface
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons water (for egg wash)
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Baking Success:
Having the right tools can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. These are some essential items that will assist you in creating perfect Hawaiian rolls:
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise comfortably.
- Glass measuring cups: For accurate liquid measurements.
- Pastry brush: Ideal for applying egg wash and melted butter for that beautiful golden finish and extra softness.
- Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of smaller ingredients like yeast, salt, and sugar.
- A kitchen scale (not linked above but highly recommended): For weighing flour accurately, which is crucial for dough consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Hawaiian Rolls
Baking these sweet, fluffy rolls is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch every time. Precision and patience are your best friends in bread making!
Activating the Yeast
Start by warming your milk to the ideal temperature, between 100-110°F. This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it. You can do this gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once warmed, transfer the milk to a large mixing bowl. Add the packet of active dry yeast along with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Now, let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This period is for the yeast to “bloom,” meaning it should become foamy and bubbly on the surface, indicating that it’s active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or the milk temperature was off, and it’s best to start over.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Once your yeast is bloomed, it’s time to incorporate the remaining wet ingredients. Add the rest of the sugar, salt, the slightly cooled melted butter, and the eggs to the yeast mixture. Beat vigorously until all ingredients are well combined. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for this, or simply a sturdy whisk if mixing by hand.
Next, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until a stiff dough begins to form. At this stage, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough. Remember the trick to tenderness: avoid adding too much extra flour during kneading. The dough will likely feel a little sticky, and that’s perfectly fine – it’s a sign of a moist and tender roll to come. Only add a tiny bit more flour if it’s unmanageably sticky.
First Rise and Shaping
After kneading, place the dough into a clean, lightly greased bowl, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour. This is the first bulk fermentation, allowing flavors to develop and the dough to become airy.
Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Now, it’s time to form your rolls. For this recipe, I shaped the dough into 12 larger rolls, perfect for making substantial lunch sandwiches. If you’re preparing these for a dinner party or a holiday like Christmas or New Year’s, you might prefer 18 smaller, more delicate rolls. Another fantastic option is to divide the dough into two large rounds and bake them in pie pans to create beautiful Hawaiian bread loaves, which make excellent bread bowls for dips or soups!
Second Rise, Baking, and Finishing Touches
Whatever size or shape you choose, arrange the shaped dough in your prepared baking tray, ensuring a little space between each roll for expansion. Cover them lightly again and let them rise a second time until doubled in size, another hour or so. This second rise ensures a light and airy final product.
While the rolls are on their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, whisk together one large egg and two tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the tops of your risen rolls. This egg wash will give them a beautiful golden color and a lovely shine. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until they are perfectly golden brown.
The final, crucial step to guarantee maximum softness: immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush their tops generously with melted butter. This simple trick locks in moisture and adds an extra layer of rich flavor, ensuring your homemade Hawaiian rolls are soft, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and taste!
Delicious Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These versatile Hawaiian rolls are so much more than just a side. They elevate any meal and can inspire countless culinary creations. Of course, they are perfect on their own, fresh from the oven, with a pat of butter. But don’t stop there!
Looking for some dinner recipes to pair these incredible rolls with? They are the ultimate companion to hearty, comforting meals. Try serving them alongside our delicious crockpot roast beef, soak up the flavors of our best meatloaf recipe ever, or complement a savory, juicy, Roasted Chicken dinner. For a casual yet flavorful option, they are fantastic with this easy crockpot BBQ chicken!
Beyond main courses, these rolls are exceptional for various applications:
- Sliders: As mentioned, they’re tailor-made for sweet and savory sliders. Try them with pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even mini burgers.
- Breakfast: Toast them lightly and serve with jam, honey, or cream cheese. They also make wonderful mini French toast!
- Bread Bowls: The larger round loaves are perfect for serving creamy soups or hearty dips.
- Holiday Meals: Their impressive appearance and delightful taste make them a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these homemade Hawaiian rolls are sure to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup milk heated to 100-110F
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted and cooled slightly, about 85 F or less
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 16.8 ounces all-purpose flour 4 cups, 476 g
For glazing:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Things You’ll Need
-
Mixing bowls
-
Whisk
-
13×9 baking dish
-
Kitchen scale
Before You Begin
**If using salted butter, reduce salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
Dough can also be mixed and kneaded in a stand mixer.
Dough can be shaped into 12 rolls for larger buns. Can also be shaped into 2 large rounds and baked in pie pans for Hawaiian bread.
Instructions
-
Warm the milk to 100-110°F in the microwave or on the stovetop, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar, stirring to dissolve. Let rest until the yeast begins to bloom and foam, about 10 minutes.1 cup milk, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
-
Stir in the 3/4 cup sugar, salt, melted butter and eggs, whisking well to combine.3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs
-
Stir in the flour until a stiff but sticky dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Try not to add additional flour; dough should be sticky.16.8 ounces all-purpose flour
-
Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover lightly. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
-
Punch down dough and form into 18 tight balls. Place in a greased 13×9 dish and cover lightly. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
In a small bowl, beat egg and water together for egg wash. Gently brush rolls with egg wash and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.1 large egg, 2 tablespoons water
-
Let rolls cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter and serve.1 tablespoon butter
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Be sure to cool the butter after melting it. If it’s too hot it can increase the stickiness of the dough significantly.
- Your best best is to weigh your flour. We have found that different measuring cups don’t always hold the same amount. Using a kitchen scale is much more accurate.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.