Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to add a tropical twist to your homemade bread, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe. These soft, pillowy rolls are gently sweetened with pineapple juice and brown sugar, giving them a delightful fruity aroma and a tender crumb that’s simply irresistible. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have golden-brown rolls bursting with tropical flavor perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just because you deserve something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every bite of these Hawaiian pineapple rolls owes its magic to a select group of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build the perfect harmony of sweetness, richness, and fluffiness. From the tang of buttermilk to the natural sweetness of pineapple juice, every element plays a key role in the texture and taste.

• Buttermilk (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the dough, contributing to a soft crumb.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings richness and moisture to the rolls for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Ensures a reliable rise for light, fluffy rolls without the fuss.
• Pineapple juice (½ cup): The star ingredient that infuses sweetness and a tropical twist.
• Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Enhances the sweetness with a deep, caramel-like note.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant undertone to the dough.
• Eggs (2 large + 1 yolk): Provide structure and a tender texture, also enriching the dough’s color.
• All-purpose flour (4½ to 5 cups): The foundation of your dough, giving it strength and elasticity.
• Water (1 teaspoon): Mixed with egg white to create a glossy, golden glaze on the rolls.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Begin by lightly spraying a large mixing bowl and a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your gear ready sets you up for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Warm the Buttermilk and Butter

Combine the buttermilk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and gently heat in short bursts until the mixture reaches about 115°F. This cozy warmth awakens the yeast later, helping your dough rise beautifully.

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm buttermilk and butter mixture into the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and whisk in the instant yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom and get bubbly, signaling it’s ready for action.

Step 4: Mix in the Sweet and Savory Ingredients

Add in the pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mixing these on low speed combines all those lovely flavors evenly into the dough base, setting the stage for a beautifully flavored roll.

Step 5: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add 2 cups of the flour, mixing on medium speed for a minute. Then slowly add the remaining flour on low until a soft dough forms, adjusting flour as needed. This gradual method prevents lumps and helps you achieve the perfect dough consistency.

Step 6: Knead the Dough

Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 5 to 6 minutes. The dough should become soft, smooth, and elastic, ideal for a fluffy roll. If you prefer, knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes—there’s something therapeutic about this hands-on step!

Step 7: First Rise

Place the dough in your prepared bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rest is crucial—it gives the yeast time to work its magic and develop flavor and lightness.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in your prepared baking pan. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes until puffed up beautifully.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

While the rolls are resting, set your oven to 375°F to warm up. This temperature will bake the rolls to a perfect golden color while keeping the inside tender.

Step 10: Add the Shine and Bake

Whisk together the reserved egg white and water, then brush this mixture lightly over the tops of the rolls. This step creates that gorgeous sheen and brilliant golden crust you crave. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and irresistible.

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

These Hawaiian pineapple rolls shine on their own, but a little extra touch makes them even better. A light brush of melted butter right out of the oven enhances their buttery flavor and gives a soft, inviting crust. For a sweet touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside hearty dishes like pulled pork, grilled chicken, or a tropical-inspired ham glaze. Their sweet, tender profile pairs wonderfully with savory mains and bright, fresh sides such as mango salsa or a crisp kale salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by slicing these rolls horizontally and turning them into mini sliders with teriyaki chicken or a slice of ham and pineapple. You can also transform leftovers into a breakfast treat by toasting them with cream cheese and fresh fruit jam for a sunny start to your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Hawaiian pineapple rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain that soft texture, place a slice of bread inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the rolls tender.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy your tropical treat anytime without losing freshness.

Reheating

For a quick refresh, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds for soft, warm rolls ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I substitute pineapple juice with fresh pineapple?

Pineapple juice is key in this recipe for both flavor and moisture. If you don’t have juice, you can blend fresh pineapple and strain it to extract the juice, but keep in mind pulp can affect the dough’s texture slightly.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! Simply add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle, and use it as a buttermilk substitute. This maintains the tender crumb and tangy flavor.

Can I make this Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a great way to connect with the dough if you enjoy baking hands-on.

Why is my dough sticky, and how can I fix it?

Dough stickiness can vary depending on humidity and flour absorption. If your dough is too sticky to handle, add additional flour a tablespoon at a time while kneading until it’s soft and slightly tacky but no longer sticking excessively.

How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?

You want your rolls to be a warm, golden brown color on top and sound hollow when tapped. They should spring back gently under your finger. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on your oven during those last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Rolls Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little slice of island paradise into your kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, rich butter, and soft, fluffy dough creates rolls that your family and friends will ask for time and again. Give this recipe a try, and I promise those warm, fragrant rolls will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.

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