Hawaiian Soft Rolls – The Carbs That Hug Back

Ok friends, the kids start their Freshman and Junior years IN COLLEGE on Monday and I’m over here trying to deal with the dual existential crisis of summer break being over and getting old.

Like… how did this happen? I swear it was just yesterday that I was cutting crusts off sandwiches shaped like dinosaurs and now I’m debating whether I should cry, sell the house, or just lean into my new identity as “woman who sits on porch and mutters about the price of milk.”

I know, I know—life is change, kids grow up, blah blah blah… but right now, the only coping mechanism I have is carbs, baby! And not just any carbs: super soft Hawaiian rolls. Sweet, buttery, pillowy little clouds of happiness that give you a hug from the inside.

Could I just go to the store and grab a bag of King’s Hawaiian rolls?
Sure.
Would it be easier?
Absolutely.
Would they taste even remotely as good as homemade?
Nope.

And besides, baking bread is basically therapy with snacks at the end.

So, I made them. And now I’m here to tell you—you can too. These rolls are dangerously good. They’re perfect for sliders, they’re divine with peach jam, and yes, they’re also great for just sitting in the corner and shoving into your mouth while you refuse to deal with real life for a few more minutes. (Just me? No? Great.)

Why Homemade is Worth It

Let’s be honest: Hawaiian rolls from the store are fine. We all know that soft, slightly sweet flavor and that orangey-golden top. But when you make them yourself, the difference is night and day. You get:

• Fresh-from-the-oven softness that makes you want to take a nap on them.

• Butter dripping down your fingers—because homemade has no rules.

• Bragging rights when you put them on the table and casually say, “Oh, these? Just something I whipped up.”

Plus, if you’re spiraling about your kids growing up, kneading dough is an excellent way to work out your feelings without throwing an actual punch. It’s all very wholesome.

The Flavor Secret

The magic of Hawaiian rolls comes from pineapple juice. Not so much that it screams “tropical vacation!” but just enough to give a gentle sweetness and tender texture. Then there’s the butter—lots of it—because at this point, my cholesterol and I are on a first-name basis.

Hawaiian Soft Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm pineapple juice (about 110°F)

• ¼ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)

• Additional melted butter for brushing after baking

Instructions

1. Bloom the yeast
   In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), whisk together the warm pineapple juice, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy and smells like a bakery.

2. Add the good stuff
   Beat in the eggs, then add the flour and salt. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and mix on low until combined, then knead for 5–6 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Bonus: kneading burns enough calories to justify eating three rolls later.)

3. First rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a good time to scroll Zillow for beach houses you can’t afford.

4. Shape the rolls
   Punch down the dough (gently… unless you’re feeling feisty), then divide into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish.

5. Second rise
   Cover again and let the rolls rise for another 45–60 minutes until puffed and cozy.

6. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the rolls with egg wash for that signature golden color. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

7. Butter bath
   Immediately brush the hot rolls with melted butter. Try not to weep with joy.

Serving Ideas

• Sliders – Pile them with pulled pork, ham, or chicken salad.

• Breakfast – Split, toast, and slather with peach or strawberry jam.

• Therapy session – Eat them warm, one after another, while hiding from your responsibilities.

Final Thoughts (While I Eat Another Roll)

I know I can’t stop time. The kids are going to grow up, keep moving forward, and become even more awesome humans. And honestly, I’m so proud I could burst. But I’m also going to cry into this pan of rolls because apparently that’s who I am now.

So if you’re in your own back-to-school, life-is-changing, what-even-is-my-purpose moment, I highly recommend making these Hawaiian soft rolls. They’re sweet, they’re buttery, and they make you feel like maybe everything’s going to be okay.

And if not? Well… at least you’ll have carbs.