Homemade Hawaiian Rolls Recipe (Soft Sweet Dinner Rolls)

This homemade Hawaiian rolls recipe uses pineapple juice and a touch of honey in the dough for soft, pillowy, subtly sweet dinner rolls just like the store-bought classic. This easy sweet dinner roll recipe takes about 2 hours including rising time and has become one of 2026’s most popular homemade bakes.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12

Category: Bread, side dish

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

• This homemade Hawaiian rolls recipe tastes just like the beloved store-bought version, only fresher.
• Pineapple juice adds subtle sweetness and a soft, tender crumb.
• Great served warm with butter or used for sliders and sandwiches.
• A genuinely satisfying weekend baking project that fills the house with a sweet, yeasty smell.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice, warmed
• 1/4 cup milk, warmed
• 25 tsp instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 cups flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

How to Make Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

1. Combine the warmed pineapple juice and milk with the yeast and a pinch of sugar, letting it sit until foamy.
2. Mix in the melted butter, egg, honey, remaining sugar, and salt, then gradually add the flour to form a soft dough.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
5. Divide into rolls and place in a baking dish, then let rise for 30 more minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden.
7. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.

Tips for the Best Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

• Warm the pineapple juice and milk gently for this homemade Hawaiian rolls recipe — too hot can kill the yeast.
• Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky for the best texture.
• Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot for the fluffiest results.
• Brush with butter right after baking so it soaks into the warm rolls.

Variations to Try

• Sprinkle with flaky salt before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Use the rolls as slider buns for an easy party spread.
• Add a touch of orange zest to the dough for extra brightness.

How to Store It

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaiian rolls different from regular dinner rolls?

Hawaiian rolls get their signature sweetness and soft texture from pineapple juice and sugar or honey in the dough, unlike plain dinner rolls.

Can I make Hawaiian roll dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned or bottled pineapple juice both work well in this recipe.

Why didn’t my rolls turn out fluffy?

This is often due to yeast that didn’t activate properly — make sure your liquids are warm, not hot, and give the dough enough time to rise fully.