Sweet Rolls
These incredibly soft and fluffy rolls have a subtle sweetness from pineapple juice, making them a family favorite. Perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or served warm with butter alongside any meal. This authentic recipe captures the beloved taste and texture of classic Hawaiian sweet rolls.
For 6 servings
7 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Activate Yeast and Mix Wet Ingredients
- b.In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm pineapple juice, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and whisk gently. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
- c.Once foamy, whisk in 4 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 large egg until well combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form and Knead the Dough
- b.Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Using a dough hook on low speed, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- c.Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 7-9 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes.
- d.The final dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If it's too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
- 3
Step 3
- a.First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
- b.Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it over to coat the top.
- c.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- d.Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Rolls
- b.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- c.Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air and transfer it to a clean work surface.
- d.Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 80-85g each).
- e.Roll each portion into a smooth, tight ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the balls evenly in the prepared pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Second Rise (Proofing)
- b.Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap.
- c.Let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, until they are puffy and touching one another.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake the Rolls
- b.About 15 minutes before the second rise is complete, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- d.Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- e.Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). If they start browning too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately brush the tops of the hot rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- c.Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before separating and serving warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best rise, ensure your milk and juice are at the correct temperature (110-115°F or 43-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will slow it down.
- 2Using a kitchen scale to divide the dough ensures all your rolls are the same size and bake evenly.
- 3To create a warm environment for rising, place the covered bowl in an oven that is turned off but has the light on.
- 4Don't skip the egg wash! It's key to achieving that beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust.
- 5These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Twist
For a hint of spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
ToppingTopping
Sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds or poppy seeds after applying the egg wash and before baking.
Juice SwapJuice Swap
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of warm water or try mango or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
Richer DoughRicher Dough
For an even richer, softer roll, substitute the whole milk with an equal amount of buttermilk or evaporated milk.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick source of energy, making these rolls a satisfying snack or side dish to fuel your activities.
Homemade with No Preservatives
By baking these rolls from scratch, you control the quality of ingredients and avoid the artificial preservatives, dough conditioners, and high-fructose corn syrup often found in commercial bread products.
Frequently asked questions
These sweet rolls are a treat made with refined flour and sugar. While delicious, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding the preservatives found in store-bought versions.