King Hawaiian Rolls are known for their soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of tropical pineapple. These homemade rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for dinner rolls, sandwiches, or just enjoying on their own. This recipe will guide you through making these delicious rolls from scratch, bringing a taste of the islands to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the instant yeast and sugar. Stir to mix the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Add the remaining 1 ¼ cups of flour gradually, mixing well after each addition, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough to release the air, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions (depending on how large you want the rolls).
- Shape each portion into a ball by pulling the edges down and tucking them underneath, creating a smooth top.
- Place the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 4: Final Rise
- Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the rolls to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have almost doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- If the tops brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the baking dish.
- Serve warm with butter, or use them to make sliders, sandwiches, or simply enjoy them on their own.
Cook’s Notes
- Pineapple Juice: For the best flavor, use 100% pure pineapple juice. If you only have sweetened pineapple juice, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- Flour: The amount of flour needed can vary depending on humidity and other factors. Add flour gradually to ensure the dough is soft but not too sticky.
- Rising Time: If your kitchen is cool, the rising time may take longer. To speed up the process, you can place the dough in a warm (but not hot) oven.
Variations
Honey Butter Hawaiian Rolls
Brush the tops of the rolls with a mixture of melted butter and honey immediately after baking for an extra sweet, glossy finish.
Garlic Butter Hawaiian Rolls
Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough and brush the tops of the baked rolls with garlic butter for a savory twist.
Coconut Hawaiian Rolls
Replace the pineapple juice with coconut milk for a different flavor profile, and sprinkle shredded coconut over the tops before baking.
Whole Wheat Hawaiian Rolls
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version with a slightly denser texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
2. How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls and reheat them before serving.
3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm pineapple juice (110°F) with a pinch of sugar first, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour mixture.
4. How do I ensure my rolls are soft and fluffy?
Be careful not to add too much flour when kneading the dough, as this can make the rolls dense. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.
Homemade King Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a soft, sweet, and buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is easy to follow and yields rolls that are perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or simply enjoying on their own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the taste of homemade goodness with these delicious, pillowy rolls!
