Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are slightly sweet and flavored with a hint of pineapple. They’re perfect for serving up sandwiches and sliders as well as a side at the dinner table.
12rolls
Prep Time 35 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Rise Time 2 hourshours
Total Time 2 hourshours50 minutesminutes
Ingredients
20ouncecan pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juicedo not drain, we will use the juice
3teaspoonsactive dry yeast
1tablespoongranulated sugar
1teaspoonsalt
1eggat room temperature
¼cupolive oil
3 ¾cupsunbleached all purpose flour + ⅛ cup flour when you will roll the dough.See note
¼teaspoonginger
Instructions
Open the can of pineapple chunks and separate juice and pineapple pieces. Set aside.
*NOTE* If the juice is cold, below 90 degrees F (think warm bath water) add it to a microwave safe bowl warm it up in the microwave for 15 seconds. The ideal temperature for the juice to activate the yeast should measure 95-100°F. If it is too hot, it will kill the yeast and too cold it will take longer for the yeast to activate. I use a digital thermometer to check my temperatures.
In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add ½ cup pineapple juice, yeast, and granulated sugar.
Let the mixture sit for 4-5 minutes to allow the yeast to be activated. It will start to foam. If the yeast does not foam, redo this step with fresh yeast and double check your temperature.
Chop pineapple chunks into smaller pieces and add the chopped pineapple to the yeast mixture.
Add salt, egg and oil. Mix for 30 seconds.
Add the ginger, then add the flour to the mixture in several increments.
Mix at medium speed for 5 minutes to allow the gluten to develop. The dough will be sticky, as in when you touch the dough with your index finger, you will have dough sticking to your fingers.
Oil the inside of a medium sized bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover with a plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a draft free warm place.
Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside (I prefer to butter the dish, but you can use nonstick spray as well.)
On a clean flour surface (this is where I use the extra ⅛ cup of flour) knead the dough 3 to 4 times. Now it should be nice and soft. Separate the dough into 12 equal balls. Roll them into balls and place into the prepared baking dish.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise again for 1 hour in a draft free warm place, for me, my microwave.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Once the oven is at temperature, take the plastic wrap off and bake for 18- 20 minutes or until the tops are nice and a light golden brown. You'll know they're done when there's no soft spot when touching them or you insert a toothpick into one and it comes out clean.
If you'd like, brush 1-2 Tablespoons unsalted butter on the top while they're warm.
* If you are in a colder environment or at altitude you may need to adjust the flour, up to an additional ½ cup. If you need to add extra flour, I suggest you do it in increments of ⅛ of a cup at a time.)*You will have more than 1 cup of pineapple juice from the can. I keep it to add for a fun smoothie or making a ham glaze
How to store:
The buns will keep on the counter for 2 to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freshen them, put them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.
Video
Notes
* If you are in a colder environment or at altitude you may need to adjust the flour, up to an additional ½ cup. If you need to add extra flour, I suggest you do it in increments of ⅛ of a cup at a time.)*You will have more than 1 cup of pineapple juice from the can. I keep it to add for a fun smoothie or making a ham glaze
How to store:
The buns will keep on the counter for 2 to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freshen them, put them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.