Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Soft, fluffy, lightly sweet pull-apart rolls with that classic King’s Hawaiian flavor.

Ingredients (makes 12–15 rolls)

Dough

• ¾ cup (180 ml) pineapple juice, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F / 43°C
• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ⅓ cup (110 g) honey or granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½–3¾ cups (420–450 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional for extra softness: 2 Tbsp nonfat dry milk powder or 1–2 Tbsp instant potato flakes

Finish

• 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tbsp water (egg wash)
• 2–3 Tbsp melted butter mixed with 1 tsp honey (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

1. Make the dough
   In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl), combine the pineapple juice, warm milk, melted butter, honey/sugar, eggs + yolk, and vanilla.
   Add 3½ cups flour, yeast, salt, and optional dry milk/potato flakes. Mix on low until a soft dough forms, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. Add a little more flour only if very sticky.
2. First rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–1½ hours.
3. Shape the rolls
   Punch down the dough and divide into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball.
   Arrange the balls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or oval casserole dish.
4. Second rise
   Cover and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled, 45–60 minutes.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake
   Gently brush the tops with the egg wash.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Finish
   Immediately brush the hot rolls with the melted butter-honey mixture for shine and extra flavor.
   Cool for 5–10 minutes, then pull apart and serve warm.

Tips

• Pineapple juice is the key to the signature flavor — don’t skip it.
• The dough is enriched and a bit sticky; avoid adding too much extra flour so the rolls stay soft and pillowy.
• These freeze well. Thaw and warm in a low oven, then brush with more butter.
• Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or just warm with butter.

Soft, slightly sweet, and bakery-style. Enjoy!