RestaurantsAKAI AsianHawaiian Rolls Recipe

Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Inspired by AKAI Asian
Time2h 30m
Serves12

Make Hawaiian Rolls Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough

Method

Dough

1

Warm liquids and bloom yeast

Warm the milk and pineapple juice together until about 100–110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the melted butter (cool slightly if very hot). In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm liquid mixture with the granulated sugar and instant yeast. Let sit 5–8 minutes until mixture becomes foamy, indicating yeast activation.

2

Add eggs and dry ingredients

Beat the two eggs lightly and add them to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt and mix until incorporated. Continue adding remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Total flour should be about 4 cups; you may need a little more or less depending on humidity and flour type.

3

Knead the dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium-low for 6–8 minutes.

4

First rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1¼ hours.

5

Shape into rolls

Punch down the dough to release gas and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (for 12 rolls) or 24 pieces for slider-size. To portion, weigh or estimate equal pieces (about 70–80 g each for 12). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling edges under and pinching seams at the bottom, creating surface tension on top.

6

Second rise in pan

Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a buttered 9x13-inch baking pan (for 12) or appropriate-sized pan for sliders, placing rolls close but not touching (they will expand). Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes.

Topping/Finish

7

Preheat oven and apply wash

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls finish their second rise. If using egg wash, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon water and gently brush the tops of the risen rolls. If you prefer a softer top, skip the egg wash and brush melted butter on the tops instead before baking.

8

Bake

Bake the rolls on the center rack for 18–22 minutes (12–16 minutes for slider-size), or until tops are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of a roll reads about 190–195°F (88–90°C). If tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5–7 minutes.

9

Finish with butter

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the 2 tablespoons melted butter for a soft, shiny finish. Allow rolls to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling slightly before serving warm.