Whether you're making Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls for a holiday meal or just craving soft, fluffy bread, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds. Try them fresh out of the oven and experience the sweet, buttery perfection of homemade King's Hawaiian bread rolls!
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add pineapple juice, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise
Cover and let the dough balls rise for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up.
- Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with an egg wash for a golden crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these Hawaiian bread rolls warm with butter or use them for sandwiches.
Hawaiian sweet rolls are known for their slightly sweet flavor and soft texture. They are rich in carbohydrates, making them a great energy-boosting snack or meal side.
- Calories:180 kcal
- Protein:5 g
- Carbohydrates:30 g
- Sugar:8 g
- Fiber:1 g
- Fat:4 g
How to Fix the 5 Most Common Hawaiian Roll Problems
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are a favorite in many homes. But achieving that signature texture and golden finish can be trickier than expected. Whether you’re baking them in a city flat or a rural kitchen, challenges often pop up. This is especially true for UK home bakers, where colder kitchens and flour differences make things more complex.
Let’s walk through the top five baking mishaps and how to turn them into soft, golden perfection — whether you’re in England or beyond.
Table of Contents
1. Dough That’s Too Sticky or Dense
What’s Going Wrong:
Many bakers — especially new ones — find the dough too sticky and feel tempted to fix it with more flour. This often leads to dense, heavy rolls.
Quick Fix:
The dough should feel supple with a slight tackiness — that’s what helps deliver soft, light rolls. Stick closely to the ingredient amounts and rely on a digital scale for best accuracy. Want to see another bake that benefits from careful measuring? See how to make caramel cheesecake cookies.
2. Climate and Humidity Challenges
What’s Going Wrong:
British homes can be chilly and moist, which isn’t always the best environment for yeast to thrive. This slows down rising and can lead to overly soft dough.
Quick Fix:
- If it’s humid, increase the flour slightly (up to 4½ cups total).
- To help dough rise in colder homes, place it in a turned-off oven with just the light on for gentle warmth.
British bakers, don’t let the weather win! A few tweaks can get you great results.
3. Flat, Dense Rolls After Baking
What’s Going Wrong:
Poor rise or letting the dough sit too long can ruin the roll’s shape and softness.
Quick Fix:
Let the dough rise until it’s about twice its original volume. To test if it’s ready, gently press your fingertip into the dough — if the indentation slowly fills in, it’s good to go. If it springs back instantly, give it a bit more time. If the dent remains and doesn’t bounce back, the dough might be slightly over-proofed.
Timing is everything. See the impact of timing in recipes like red velvet cheesecake and no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls.
4. Rolls Are Chewy or Tough
What’s Going Wrong:
Using too much flour or being too rough with the dough creates tough rolls.
Quick Fix:
Weigh your flour for accuracy. Avoid packing extra flour by scooping directly from the bag. When kneading, use a stand mixer or keep your touch light. These gentle steps give you that soft, airy bite.
Looking for another easy dough recipe? Try these sausage crescent rolls.
5. Pale or Dry Tops
What’s Going Wrong:
Even with good texture, rolls can turn out pale and dry if they’re not finished properly.
Quick Fix:
Just before baking, gently glaze the tops with a blend of egg and a splash of milk or water. After they’re out of the oven, a final coat of melted butter helps create that soft, golden finish.
Want more ideas for golden, glossy treats? Try our hot cocoa cookie recipe.
Unique Tips for UK & British Bakers
What’s Going Wrong:
Baking in England? You may be dealing with hard water, lower room temps, or less-gluten-rich flour.
Quick Fix:
- If your tap water is rich in minerals, consider using filtered or bottled water instead
- Use strong white bread flour for better results
- Let the dough rest inside your oven with only the light switched on — it’s a simple way to create a warm, draft-free space that helps the yeast thrive
Small adjustments help UK bakers achieve great bakes every time.
Recap: Hawaiian Roll Troubleshooting Tips
- Dough should feel soft and slightly tacky
- Let dough rise until it’s doubled
- Knead gently — don’t overwork it
- Finish with egg wash before and butter after baking
- Tweak conditions if baking in a cooler UK kitchen
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it changes the texture. You can replace about a quarter of the white flour with whole wheat to add a bit of nuttiness while keeping the rolls soft.
How long should the dough rise?
Around 1–2 hours depending on your kitchen temperature. You’re aiming for it to double.
My dough isn’t rising. What’s the issue?
Check if your yeast is fresh and ensure your water is lukewarm.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Once the rolls are baked and cooled, seal them tightly in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Which flour is best?
Strong white bread flour gives the best structure and softness.
Final Thoughts
Making soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls at home takes a little effort, but it’s well worth it. With the right techniques — and a few adjustments for UK bakers — you’ll get golden, pillowy results every time.
Want more cozy baking ideas? Get the fairy cake recipe or learn more about protein in breakfast to balance the sweet treats. Craving something indulgent? Treat yourself to this rich red velvet cheesecake. Or see the full creamy chicken and rice soup recipe for the perfect savory pairing.
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8 Comments
This recipe was a hit at our weekend barbecue! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the marinade had just the right amount of spice. The bell peppers and onions added a nice crunch. Everyone loved it, and I’ll definitely be making this again!
5 out of 5
I tried these skewers last night, and they turned out amazing! The marinade infused the chicken with incredible flavor, and the grilling gave it a perfect char. Served them with tzatziki and pita bread – absolutely delicious!
5 out of 5
I completely agree! I made these skewers for dinner last weekend, and they were such a hit. The marinade really brings out the best flavors, and the tzatziki pairing was perfect. This recipe is definitely going into my regular rotation!
5 out of 5
Same here! The flavors from the marinade were fantastic, and the grilling gave the chicken that delicious charred taste. I served mine with warm pita and a fresh cucumber salad – it was a winner. Can’t wait to make them again!
5 out of 5
These grilled chicken skewers were easy to make and tasted fantastic. The lemon and garlic marinade really made the flavors pop. I loved how juicy the chicken was, and the veggies added great texture. My whole family enjoyed them!
4 out of 5
I’m always looking for new grilling recipes, and this one did not disappoint! The marinade was so flavorful, and the chicken came out juicy and perfectly cooked. A perfect dish for summer cookouts. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
4 out of 5
This recipe was simple to follow and yielded such delicious results. The chicken was moist, and the marinade gave it a nice kick without being too spicy. Paired it with a fresh salad, and it made for a perfect meal. Five stars!
4 out of 5
The recipe was good, but it didn’t quite wow me. The marinade had nice flavors, but I found the spice level a bit too mild for my taste. The chicken was tender, but the vegetables could have been more charred. It’s a decent dish, but I might tweak the seasoning next time to give it more punch.
5 out of 5
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