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Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

These Homemade Hawaiian Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet with a touch of pineapple juice. Made with a simple tangzhong (milk roux), they stay tender for days and bake up golden brown and bakery-worthy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 Rolls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

Tangzhong
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Whole milk
Dough
  • cups All-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar divided
  • tsp Active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ cup Pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup Whole milk
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 Egg yolk
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter softened
Egg Wash & Topping
  • 1 Egg + 1 tbsp water egg wash
  • 1 tbsp Melted butter

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan & whisk
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Make the Tangzhong
    In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until smooth.
    Place over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a paste (like pudding), about 2–3 minutes.
    Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Proof the Yeast
    In a small bowl, warm the pineapple juice and milk until about 100–110°F (lukewarm, not hot).
    Stir in 1 tablespoon of the sugar and sprinkle yeast over the top.
    Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the Dough
    In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
    Add in the tangzhong, foamy yeast mixture, egg, and egg yolk. Mix on low until combined.
    Add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
    Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8–10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic (slightly tacky but not sticky).
    If kneading by hand: Knead 12–15 minutes, adding flour only as needed.
  4. First Rise
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1½ hours).
  5. Shape the Rolls
    Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.
    Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly.
    Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled (about 45 minutes–1 hour).
  6. Bake
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Brush rolls with egg wash.
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and an internal temp of 190°F is reached.
  7. Finish & Serve
    Brush with melted butter while warm for extra shine and flavor.
    Serve warm. They’re perfect with butter, jam, or as slider buns.