These Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Sweet Rolls transform the already delightful King’s Hawaiian rolls into something truly special. I created this recipe after a trip to Oahu, wanting to bring those tropical flavors into my mainland kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, coconut, and that touch of macadamia nuts makes an ordinary gathering feel like a little luau.

Why These Sweet Rolls Shine

• Uses store-bought rolls as a base, making this semi-homemade treat quick to prepare
• The warm, gooey pineapple filling creates a beautiful contrast with the soft bread
• Toasted coconut adds a delightful texture and authentic tropical flavor
• Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or as a unique dessert option
• The macadamia nut topping provides that distinctive Hawaiian touch that guests remember

The Tropical Dream Team

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These pillowy, slightly sweet rolls serve as the perfect base. Their subtle sweetness complements the filling beautifully.

Fresh Pineapple: Dole pineapple slices work perfectly here, but fresh pineapple can be substituted if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure to drain thoroughly to prevent soggy rolls.

Coconut Flakes: Sweetened flaked coconut adds texture and tropical essence. For a less sweet version, unsweetened coconut works too, though you might want to increase the sugar slightly.

Macadamia Nuts: The quintessential Hawaiian nut adds a buttery crunch. If unavailable, chopped cashews make a decent substitute.

Butter: Creates a rich base for the filling and helps the rolls brown beautifully. Don’t skimp here!

Ways to Make It Your Own

Tropical Fruit Medley

Replace half the pineapple with drained, chopped mango or papaya for an even more exotic flavor profile. The different fruits create beautiful complexity.

Coconut Rum Glaze

Add a teaspoon of coconut rum to the glaze for an adult version that’s perfect for sunset gatherings. The alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor.

Morning Glory Version

Sprinkle a little cinnamon into the filling and add some chopped dried cranberries for a breakfast-friendly variation that pairs wonderfully with coffee.

Let’s Cook

Step 1: Prep Your Hawaiian Base

Carefully slice those King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom sections intact. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish – this creates the foundation for all that tropical goodness.

Step 2: Create the Island Filling

Mix your room temperature butter with the drained pineapple pieces, sugar, and coconut until well combined. This creates a sweet, tropical filling that will infuse into the rolls as they bake. Spread this mixture generously across the bottom half of the rolls.

Step 3: Top and Transform

Place the top half of the rolls back on, creating a sandwich of sorts. Bake until golden, then brush with melted butter for that extra touch of richness and shine.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

While still warm, drizzle your pineapple glaze over the top, letting it seep slightly into the rolls. Finish with a generous sprinkle of macadamia nuts and additional coconut for that picture-perfect Hawaiian finish.

Kitchen Wisdom for Perfect Rolls

• Drain the pineapple extremely well – extra moisture will make your rolls soggy
• Room temperature butter mixes much better than cold butter for the filling
• For extra coconut flavor, lightly toast half the coconut before mixing into the filling
• If your rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking
• Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before glazing so the glaze doesn’t completely melt away
• Chop the macadamia nuts finely for better distribution and to prevent them from rolling off

Serving Suggestions

These sweet rolls shine as part of a weekend brunch spread alongside some tropical fruit and Kona coffee. For dessert, try serving them slightly warm with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream on the side. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a Hawaiian-themed dinner featuring kalua pork or teriyaki chicken.

Storage Solutions

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. The rolls can also be prepared up to the baking stage and refrigerated overnight – just bring to room temperature before baking.

Answering Your Questions

Can I use canned crushed pineapple instead of slices?

Absolutely! Crushed pineapple actually distributes more evenly throughout the filling. Just be sure to drain it extremely well.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare them up to the baking stage, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking. The glaze can be made ahead and kept refrigerated – just warm it slightly before using.

Are there any dairy-free options?

Plant-based butter works wonderfully in this recipe for a dairy-free version. The texture might be slightly different, but the tropical flavors will still shine through.

A Little Aloha in Every Bite

These Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Sweet Rolls bring a taste of the islands to your table with minimal effort. They’re the kind of treat that makes people smile, reminisce about beach vacations, and reach for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a themed gathering or just want to brighten an ordinary day, these rolls deliver sunshine in every bite.

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