Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a soft and sweet bite that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes. With their tropical flavor profile, they’re perfect for fall gatherings or cozy dinners. The rolls bring a touch of sunshine to your table, making every bite feel like a mini-vacation.

For those looking to make substitutions, you might replace the pineapple juice with another fruit juice, but the flavor will change. Ensure you use pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling for a more neutral taste. If allergies are a concern, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture, and use dairy-free butter for a vegan option. All-purpose flour is typically readily available, but if you’re gluten-sensitive, consider a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Bread & Rolls
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) water
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) pineapple juice, canned
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (71 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, white reserved
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (21 grams) potato flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, and 2 tablespoons water. Stir to combine, then let it sit for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gradually add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons potato flour, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough in the bowl or on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Once risen, deflate the dough gently. Divide it into 16 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a smooth ball.
- Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan and place the dough balls inside evenly spaced. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise again for about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the dough has puffed up nicely, bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- The rolls can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven.
- For an extra touch, brush the rolls with melted butter after baking for a glossy finish.



If you’re looking for another delicious bread option, Soft Dinner Rolls are perfect for any occasion. Their fluffy texture and buttery flavor make them a hit at every table.