Make soft, sweet Hawaiian Yeast Bread at home. This recipe brings back the fluffy texture and subtle sweetness reminiscent of the famous rolls.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 30 minutes
Yield:12 rolls
Category:Bread
Method:Yeast Baking
Cuisine:American (Inspired)
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
Warm Water (105-115°F): 1/2 cup
Pineapple Juice (warm): 1/2 cup
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
Large Eggs (room temperature): 2
Unsalted Butter (melted): 1/4 cup
All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups, plus more for dusting
Salt: 1 teaspoon
For the Glaze (Optional): 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, pineapple juice, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Mix wet ingredients: Whisk the sugar, eggs, and melted butter into the yeast mixture until combined.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Second rise: Place the dough balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Glaze and bake: Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with the optional egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool slightly: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Using warm pineapple juice, not hot, protects the yeast.
Room temperature eggs mix into the dough better.
The dough should feel soft, not stiff, for that classic fluffy texture.
If you want extra shine, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.