By Becky Hardin
Updated Feb 27, 2025
I love to make my own Hawaiian Rolls from scratch with this copycat recipe, instead of buying them from the store. They’re fresh, fluffy, and so delicious! These Hawaiian sweet rolls are the perfect thing to serve with any dinner. I make them for busy weeknight sliders, and also make them for homemade rolls at the holidays.
5-Star Review
“Love it I could eat it everyday 😋 ❤️.” – MaRyssa
The irresistible charm of Hawaiian bread rolls lies in their signature sweetness, making them utterly addictive. To achieve that perfect balance of flavor, I’m infusing the dough with rich brown sugar and tangy-sweet pineapple juice, ensuring every bite is soft, fluffy, and deliciously golden.
Pro Tip: When using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it in water or milk beforehand. Just make sure to check the expiration date!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ ½ cup buttermilk 114 grams (see note)
- ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams, room temperature (½ stick)
- ▢ 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
- ▢ ½ cup pineapple juice 114 grams
- ▢ ⅓ cup brown sugar 71 grams
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
- ▢ 2 large eggs 50 grams
- ▢ 1 large egg yolk 14 grams (white reserved)
- ▢ 4½-5 cups all-purpose flour 540-600 grams
- ▢ 1 teaspoon water 5 grams
Video
Instructions
- Spray a large mixing bowl and a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Combine the buttermilk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave in 20-second increments until the mixture is warmed to about 115°F. ½ cup buttermilk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk the buttermilk mixture and yeast together. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and eggs. stirring on low until combined. ½ cup pineapple juice, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk
- Gradually add in 2 cups of flour and mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Continue adding the rest of the flour on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if necessary. 4½-5 cups all-purpose flour
- Replace the paddle attachment with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough forms a soft, smooth ball. Alternately, you can do this by hand for 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough into the prepared bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Place in a warm spot in your kitchen and allow to rise for 1 hour*, until doubled.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Round the dough into balls and place them in the prepared pan. Cover and rest for 30 minutes*, until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Whisk together the reserved egg white and 1 teaspoon water. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. 1 teaspoon water
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Stand Mixer
Becky’s Tips
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, follow this simple homemade buttermilk recipe .
- Sweet doughs often take a bit longer to rise due to the higher sugar content. Use your own judgment on rising times – keep an eye on the size of the dough/rolls before proceeding on to the next time, ensuring that it has doubled in size.
- I recommend using instant yeast for this recipe, as it’s the easiest method.
- Using a stand-up mixer with a dough hook will make this recipe much easier, but you can knead the dough by hand if needed.
- Plan ahead with this recipe, because the dough will need time to rise before baking.
- Rising times may vary, so make sure the dough doubles in size each time.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Hawaiian Rolls Step by Step
Prepare a Baking Dish: Lightly spray a large mixing bowl and a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Warm the Buttermilk and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup (114g) buttermilk and 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter. Cover and microwave in 20-second increments until the mixture reaches about 115°F (46°C).
Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk the warmed buttermilk mixture with 2¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes until slightly foamy.
Mix the Dough: Add ½ cup (114g) pineapple juice, ⅓ cup (71g) brown sugar, 1 tsp (3g) kosher salt, 1 tsp (4g) pure vanilla extract, 2 large eggs (50g each), and 1 large egg yolk (14g) to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined. Gradually add 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour, mixing on medium speed for 1 minute. Continue adding the remaining flour, up to 4½–5 cups (540–600g) total, on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed.
Knead the Dough: Switch to a dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 5–6 minutes, until the dough forms a smooth, soft ball. Alternatively, knead by hand for 8–10 minutes.
First Rise: Place the dough into the prepared mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rest for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved egg white and 1 tsp (5g) water. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Variations on Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
There are tons of ways to change up these rolls to be sweeter or more savory. Try some of these variations:
- Add slices of ham and Swiss cheese to each roll before shaping them for a savory take.
- Crumbled cooked bacon and finely grated cheddar cheese can be added to the dough before shaping the rolls. This combination will give you a savory and indulgent treat.
- Place a small piece of pineapple and a cube of your favorite cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) inside each roll before shaping them. The pineapple adds a burst of sweetness, while the cheese adds a creamy and savory element.
- Add minced garlic and a combination of your favorite herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley) to the dough while kneading. This will infuse the rolls with a savory and fragrant flavor.
- Add shredded coconut to the dough while kneading, and top the rolls with a sprinkle of coconut before baking.
- After shaping the rolls, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top. This variation will give you deliciously sweet and aromatic rolls.
How to Store
These sweet rolls will go fast around the dinner table, but if you have any leftovers, be sure to save them. Keep them in an airtight container or resealable bag and store them at room temperature for 2-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking the rolls.
How to Freeze
You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze fully baked rolls.
- Freeze the dough after step 8 for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature for at least 1 hour before baking.
- Freeze fully baked rolls in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls go with absolutely everything. I love using roasted chicken inside or sometimes we do pulled pork . I love serving them on holidays with a bit of honey butter , but they are just as good for everyday meals. Top them with butter and Parmesan to create a riff on garlic bread , or use them to make ham and cheese sliders .
More Roll Recipes You’ll Love
Make Ahead Yeast Rolls
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Parker House Rolls
Sweet Potato Rolls
Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9x13 Baking Pan
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk 114 grams (see note)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams, room temperature (½ stick)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
- ½ cup pineapple juice 114 grams
- ⅓ cup brown sugar 71 grams
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
- 2 large eggs 50 grams
- 1 large egg yolk 14 grams (white reserved)
- 4½-5 cups all-purpose flour 540-600 grams
- 1 teaspoon water 5 grams
Instructions
- Spray a large mixing bowl and a 9x13-inch baking pan lightly with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Combine the buttermilk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave in 20-second increments until the mixture is warmed to about 115°F. ½ cup buttermilk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk the buttermilk mixture and yeast together. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and eggs. stirring on low until combined. ½ cup pineapple juice, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk
- Gradually add in 2 cups of flour and mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Continue adding the rest of the flour on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if necessary. 4½-5 cups all-purpose flour
- Replace the paddle attachment with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough forms a soft, smooth ball. Alternately, you can do this by hand for 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough into the prepared bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Place in a warm spot in your kitchen and allow to rise for 1 hour*, until doubled.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Round the dough into balls and place them in the prepared pan. Cover and rest for 30 minutes*, until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Whisk together the reserved egg white and 1 teaspoon water. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. 1 teaspoon water
Video
Notes
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, follow this simple homemade buttermilk recipe .
- Sweet doughs often take a bit longer to rise due to the higher sugar content. Use your own judgment on rising times - keep an eye on the size of the dough/rolls before proceeding on to the next time, ensuring that it has doubled in size.
- I recommend using instant yeast for this recipe, as it’s the easiest method.
- Using a stand-up mixer with a dough hook will make this recipe much easier, but you can knead the dough by hand if needed.
- Plan ahead with this recipe, because the dough will need time to rise before baking.
- Rising times may vary, so make sure the dough doubles in size each time.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
