Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Recipe with Active Dry Yeast
These soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls capture the essence of the famous Kings Hawaiian rolls with their tender crumb and golden exterior. Made with simple pantry ingredients including active dry yeast, sugar, and all-purpose flour, they're perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want fresh-baked bread. The dough rises twice for maximum fluffiness, and a butter finish while warm creates an irresistible golden top that makes these rolls disappear quickly from the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
Mix together warm water, sugar and yeast and let stand about 10 minutes until yeast begins to activate with small bubbles forming
- 2
In a stand mixer with dough hook attachment, slowly add oil, salt and flour and mix until well incorporated, then continue to knead for about 2-3 minutes
- 3
Oil a glass bowl and place dough in bowl, turning to coat with oil, cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise for about an hour until doubled in size
- 4
Spray an 8x8 inch glass dish with cooking spray and divide risen dough into 9 similarly sized balls
- 5
Arrange balls in prepared dish leaving space around each for rising, cover tightly and let rise about 30 minutes
- 6
Bake rolls in 350F oven for 15 minutes until golden brown on top
- 7
Remove from oven and immediately butter the top of each roll
Tips
Test yeast activation by looking for small bubbles forming after 10 minutes - if no bubbles appear, your yeast may be expired.
Brush melted butter on tops immediately after baking while rolls are still hot for the best absorption and flavor.
Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results - an oven with just the light on works well.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Can make dough day before, refrigerate after first rise, then bring to room temperature before shaping
Serve warm, can reheat briefly in microwave or 300F oven
Common Mistakes
Use warm, not hot water to avoid killing the yeast
Don't skip the yeast activation step to ensure rolls will rise properly
Allow full rising time even if it takes longer than stated
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, mix ingredients by hand and knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
What if my dough doesn't double in size?
Place in warmer location and give more time. Cold environments slow yeast activity significantly.
How long will these rolls keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container.