Homemade King Hawaiian Rolls

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Here you go — a full, rich, bakery-style King Hawaiian Rolls (or Loaf) recipe, written big, warm, and share-worthy, just like the love in that comment 💛🍞

Homemade King Hawaiian Rolls (or Soft Sweet Loaf)

Introduction

There’s something magical about pulling apart a warm, pillowy Hawaiian roll — slightly sweet, impossibly soft, and buttery in the best way. This homemade version captures everything people adore about the famous King Hawaiian rolls, but with the extra comfort that only baking from scratch can give. Whether you shape them into golden dinner rolls or bake them as a tender loaf, this recipe delivers bakery-level softness every single time.

These are the rolls people request again and again — and once you make them, you’ll understand why they disappear so fast.

Ingredients

Dough

  • ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour

For Brushing

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for after baking)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast
    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the wet ingredients
    Whisk in honey, eggs, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
  3. Form the dough
    Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead
    Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or with a mixer for 6–7 minutes) until smooth, elastic, and soft.
  5. First rise
    Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape
    • For rolls: Divide dough into 12–15 equal pieces and roll into balls.
    • For loaf: Shape the dough into a log and place into a greased loaf pan.
  7. Second rise
    Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  8. Bake
    Bake at 350°F (175°C)

    • Rolls: 18–22 minutes
    • Loaf: 30–35 minutes
      Until golden brown on top.
  9. Finish
    Brush hot rolls or loaf generously with melted butter.

Baking Method (Why This Works)

  • Milk + honey create tenderness and subtle sweetness
  • Eggs add richness and structure
  • Butter ensures a soft crumb that stays moist for days
  • Two rises build flavor and cloud-like texture

This method mimics enriched dough techniques used in professional bakeries.

A Little History

Hawaiian sweet bread traces back to Portuguese immigrants who brought enriched bread traditions to Hawaii. Over time, local ingredients and tastes shaped it into the soft, sweet bread we know today. King’s Hawaiian made it famous — but this homemade version brings it right back to the heart of home baking.

Formation & Texture

  • Light golden crust
  • Ultra-soft, fluffy interior
  • Pull-apart tenderness
  • Gentle sweetness without being overpowering

It’s the kind of bread that tears instead of crumbles.

How Lovers of This Bread Serve It 💛

  • As dinner rolls with butter and honey
  • For sliders (ham & cheese, pulled chicken, beef)
  • Toasted for breakfast with jam
  • As French toast the next morning
  • Alongside soups, stews, and holiday meals

Tips From People Who Make It Again & Again

  • Don’t add too much flour — soft dough = soft bread
  • Brush butter twice for extra shine and flavor
  • Let it cool slightly before pulling apart (if you can wait!)

Conclusion

This homemade King Hawaiian rolls (or loaf) recipe isn’t just good — it’s the kind people talk about, remake immediately, and guard closely. Soft, sweet, buttery, and comforting, it’s bread that brings people back to the table.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if someone says:
“You need to make these again.” 🥰🍞

If you want, I can also:

  • Adapt it for no eggs
  • Make it no-knead
  • Turn it into burger buns
  • Write it as a Facebook viral post

Just tell me 👇

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