Homemade Hawaiian Rolls {Super Soft + Fluffy}

Super soft and super fluffy, these Hawaiian rolls will be your favorite way to make a sandwich from now on.

I know you want to ask if you really need the pineapple juice and the potato flakes. You do. You do! If you don’t have them, just make some normal rolls.

But for this bread recipe, they’re a must.

close up view of fluffy homemade hawaiian bread.

Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

Ultra soft and fluffy with shiny tops. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or eating slathered with butter
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 10 slices

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup instant potato flakes
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 egg for brushing the top off the loaf

Instructions 

  • Knead. Combine all ingredients in bread machine, stand mixer, or large bowl.  Mix for a few minutes and check to make sure that dough is not too dry or too wet.  It should be soft and smooth but still clear the sides of the bowl. Knead for at least 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.  (If using bread machine, simply select the "dough" cycle and skip to step 4).
    stand mixer with dough for rolls.
  • First rise. Shape dough into a ball and place in a clean, lightly oiled bowl.  Cover with greased plastic wrap or damp tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled.
    mixing bowl with risen dough.
  • Shape. Remove dough from bowl and place on counter or cutting board.  Divide into 16 equal pieces (it is easiest to divide in half, then quarters, etc.) and shape into rolls. Do not smash the top down, but pull from the bottom.
    process of shaping dough into rolls.
  • Second rise. Cover the rolls with greased plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.  The rolls should nearly double in size. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 375℉ degrees with a rack in the center.
    shaped rolls before and after rising.
  • Bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rolls are very golden brown and internal temperature is 195-200 degrees.  Allow to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or room temperature.
    fully baked hawaiian bread.

Notes

Keep an eye on the rolls as they rise; they will rise much faster than a sandwich loaf. 
Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

The key ingredients + supplies for this bread

  • Instant Potato Flakes: This ingredient helps give the rolls a soft and fluffy texture.
  • Pineapple Juice: The essence of Hawaii! It lends a unique sweet flavor that differentiates these rolls from any other.
bread ingredients on counter.
  • Stand Mixer or Bread Machine: For consistent kneading which is crucial for the texture of the rolls.
  • Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the rolls, ensuring they’re baked to perfection.
  • Wire Rack: Allows the rolls to cool evenly without becoming soggy at the bottom.
  • Dough Scraper: Helps in dividing and shaping the dough with precision.
  • Lightweight Tea Towel or Plastic Wrap: For covering the dough during the rising process, ensuring it doesn’t dry out

 OXO Good Grips Natural Pastry Brush | Natural Boar Bristles | Non-slip Grip | Dishwasher Safe | Ideal for Butter, Oil, and Baking DOWAN Mixing Bowls, Ceramic Mixing Bowls for Kitchen, Colorful Vibrant Nesting Bowls for Cooking, Baking, Prepping, Serving, Salad, Housewarming Gift, Microwave Dishwasher Safe, 3.7/2/1 Qt, Set of 3 Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer – Black 800 Watt, Black

 

If you have a heavy-duty mixer like the Bosch, you can easily double this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect for sliders, like our favorite chicken artichoke sliders, or as a side to any recipes with leftover smoked chicken.

Tips for successful bread

  • Rising Time: Hawaiian rolls rise faster than a typical sandwich loaf. So, be watchful during the rising phase. Overproofing can cause the rolls to deflate when baking.
  • Shaping the Rolls: While shaping, resist the urge to press down on the top. Instead, pull from the bottom to ensure the rolls retain their fluffy texture.
  • Temperature Check: Checking the internal temperature can be handy. Egg wash often makes things look brown before they are cooked inside. It should be around 195-200 degrees.
soft and fluffy hawaiian bread rolls.

This is an easy dough to work with!

More soft rolls you’ll love ❤️

There’s nothing like pulling a fluffy roll off a baking sheet. There are so many more you can make!

finished shiny hawaiian rolls on baking sheet.

Enjoy!

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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