Homemade King Hawaiian Rolls (or Loaf) – 12 Soft, Sweet, Irresistible Bites

Thank you so much for being here Truly. This homemade King Hawaiian rolls recipe is one of those bakes that turns first-timers into repeat bakers. Soft, fluffy, lightly sweet, and buttery — these rolls (or loaf!) taste just like the store-bought favorite, only fresher and better.

If you’ve already made them three times, you know exactly what I mean
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Overview of Recipe Content

These copycat King Hawaiian rolls are enriched with milk, butter, eggs, and pineapple juice to give them that signature sweetness and cloud-like texture. You can bake them as pull-apart rolls or shape them into a soft sandwich loaf.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra soft and fluffy texture
• Lightly sweet (not overpowering)
• Perfect for rolls or loaf
• Freezer-friendly
• Better than store-bought

What Do They Taste Like?

Soft, buttery, gently sweet with a hint of tropical warmth — classic Hawaiian bread flavor, perfect for sliders, dinner rolls, or toast with butter.

Full Ingredients List (Complete)

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For the Dough

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pineapple juice (room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For Brushing (Optional but Recommended)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (after baking)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or hands!)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch pan (for rolls) or loaf pan
• Clean kitchen towel

How to Make Homemade King Hawaiian Rolls (or Loaf)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Add Flour

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, until doubled.

Step 5: Shape

• Rolls: Divide into 12–15 pieces and place in a greased 9×13 pan.
• Loaf: Shape into a log and place in a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for:

• Rolls: 20–22 minutes
• Loaf: 30–35 minutes

Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.

What to Serve with King Hawaiian Rolls

These are incredible with:

• Sliders and burgers
• Holiday dinners
• Breakfast with butter and jam

They pair beautifully with:

• Milk Cinnamon Bakery Snack Loaf → https://poulef.com/milk-cinnamon-bakery-snack-loaf
• Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oat Bars → https://poulef.com/soft-chewy-cinnamon-apple-oat-bars
• Flourless Vanilla Cake → https://poulef.com/flourless-vanilla-cake
• Pure Chocolate Bliss Muffins → https://poulef.com/pure-chocolate-bliss-muffins
• Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Don’t overflour — dough should be soft
• Use room-temperature eggs
• Brush with butter while hot for shine and flavor
• Let them cool slightly before pulling apart

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: 2–3 days airtight
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months

General Information

The pineapple juice is the secret ingredient — it adds subtle sweetness and helps keep the bread extra soft for days. This enriched dough is similar to brioche, making it incredibly versatile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into a loaf?
Yes! One batch makes one large loaf.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes—skip blooming and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Are these very sweet?
No, just gently sweet like classic Hawaiian rolls.

Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely—bake, cool, and freeze.

Conclusion

This homemade King Hawaiian rolls recipe is one of those forever favorites — soft, reliable, and always a hit. Once you make them, store-bought just doesn’t compare.

If you bake them, leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest. Seeing your bakes truly makes my day

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	190
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	6g
Protein	5g
Sodium	170mg

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