Description
These soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls are enriched with pineapple juice and a touch of vanilla for a fluffy, flavorful bread perfect for sandwiches or alongside meals. With a tender crumb and a golden crust brushed with honey butter, they bring a tropical twist to classic dinner rolls.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting, 420g)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet, 6.75g)
- ¼ cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F, 59ml)
- ¾ cup pineapple juice, room temperature (180ml)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (55g)
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted (57g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt (5.7g)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5ml)
For the Topping
- 2 Tbsp salted butter, melted (28g)
- 1 Tbsp honey (21g)
- 1 tsp flaky salt (optional, 2.5g)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, remaining brown sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture until fully combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time while mixing until a very soft and slightly tacky dough forms. Add the last ¼ cup of flour incrementally to avoid making the dough stiff; it should remain soft.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and supple. The dough should feel soft but not wet or sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide into 12 equal pieces (approximately 2.5 oz or 71g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the tray and let the dough rise for another 45-60 minutes, until the rolls are puffy and touching each other.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches approximately 190°F.
- Finish and Serve: Right after baking, brush the warm rolls with melted butter and honey. Optionally sprinkle with flaky salt. Cover loosely with a clean towel to trap steam, resulting in extra soft crust. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute pineapple juice for orange juice, but pineapple adds characteristic sweetness and flavor.
- If flaky salt is unavailable, a light sprinkle of kosher salt works too.
- Ensure dough remains soft during flour addition for tender rolls—avoid adding too much flour.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a touch of coconut extract.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
