Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – A Buttery, Soft, and Slightly Sweet Roll That Will Transport You

If you're in the mood for a soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet dinner roll, these Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls will hit the spot. Inspired by the famous King's Hawaiian rolls, these pillowy rolls have a delicate sweetness, thanks to honey and pineapple juice, and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side to your favorite meal, making sliders, or simply enjoying them with butter, these rolls will add a touch of island-inspired magic to your table.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Hawaiian sweet rolls are known for their soft, buttery texture and unique sweetness, which comes from the addition of pineapple juice. These rolls have their origins in the 1950s, when a bakery in Hawaii began making sweet bread influenced by Portuguese and Polynesian baking traditions. Over time, these rolls gained popularity for their rich, sweet flavor and soft, fluffy texture. This homemade version captures the essence of those famous rolls but with the added joy of baking them fresh in your own kitchen!

Why Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Will Become Your Go-To Dinner Rolls

These rolls are perfectly sweet with a subtle tropical flavor, making them a standout on any dinner table. They’re easy to make and versatile enough to serve as a side for savory dishes or even as a base for sandwiches. The combination of pineapple juice and honey gives them a rich sweetness without being overwhelming, and the buttery texture makes them melt in your mouth. Plus, these rolls have a soft golden crust thanks to the egg wash, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Based on 15 Rolls):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are perfect for any meal. Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or your favorite soups and stews. Their subtle sweetness also makes them a great addition to a holiday spread or a fun alternative to standard dinner rolls for a BBQ or picnic.

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For a fun twist, use these rolls to make mini sandwiches or sliders. Try filling them with pulled pork, ham and cheese, or even chicken salad for a delicious bite-sized treat. And don’t forget that these rolls are just as good for breakfast or brunch—pair them with butter, jam, or honey for a simple, sweet start to your day.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and warm. You can also microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds.

To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat as desired.

Fun Fact: The Secret Ingredient in Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

The unique flavor of Hawaiian sweet rolls comes from pineapple juice, which adds a subtle sweetness and tropical touch to the dough. The pineapple juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the rolls moist and tender. Combined with honey and butter, the pineapple juice gives these rolls their signature flavor that everyone loves.

Cooking Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps the dough rise more evenly and ensures a softer roll.
• Knead for Softness: Proper kneading is key to achieving the soft, pillowy texture of these rolls. Whether you’re using a stand mixer or kneading by hand, make sure the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Egg Wash for Shine: The egg wash is what gives these rolls their beautiful, golden-brown tops. Don’t skip this step—it adds both flavor and a professional-looking finish.

Optional Variations

• Garlic Herb Rolls: For a savory twist, add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the melted butter used for brushing the rolls. The savory herbs will add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Coconut Twist: For an extra tropical flair, replace the honey in the dough with coconut sugar, and sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the rolls before baking.
• Cheesy Hawaiian Rolls: Add a small cube of cheddar cheese to the center of each dough ball before baking. When the rolls bake, the cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy center.

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Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Recipe (King’s Copycat)

Ingredients:

• 5 – 5½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 (.25 oz) packets Rapid Rise Yeast
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, divided use
• ⅓ cup honey, plus an additional 2 tablespoons for tops
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 5 cups of flour, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed until everything is evenly distributed. If you’re mixing by hand, whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Heat the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, milk, 6 tablespoons of butter, and honey. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture reaches 120°-130°F. It should be warm to the touch but not hot, as this will be added directly to the dry ingredients.
3. Combine the mixtures: Pour the warmed liquid mixture into the dry ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix using a spatula or spoon to combine.
4. Add the eggs and flavorings: Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the dough mixture, along with the remaining ½ cup of flour. Mix well until the dough has a "shaggy" appearance.
5. Knead the dough: Knead the dough using the stand mixer for 8-10 minutes on medium speed, or knead by hand for the same amount of time, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to achieve the right consistency.
6. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them in a buttered 13x9-inch baking pan. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 1 to 1½ hours, or until they are puffed and almost doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the lower third position.
9. Apply the egg wash: Uncover the rolls and brush the tops with the egg wash (the beaten egg mixed with 1 teaspoon of water).
10. Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
11. Make the honey butter glaze: While the rolls are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of honey together in a small microwave-safe bowl.
12. Finish and serve: Once the rolls are baked, brush the tops with the warm honey butter glaze. Serve the rolls warm, fresh from the oven, and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

These Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are everything you could want in a dinner roll—soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday meal or just because, these rolls will add a touch of tropical sweetness to any dish.