Gluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Gluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Made with pineapple juice and a tender crumb, they offer the delightful tropical flavor you love in a classic roll, without gluten.

Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum*
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast**
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup pineapple juice*** (at room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter**** (softened)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the eggs and pineapple juice to the dry ingredients. Mix using a sturdy spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until combined.
- Step 3: Add the softened butter and continue mixing until all the butter is incorporated and a sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth and pliable, using a dough hook or by hand. If the dough is too sticky, add more gluten-free flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Step 7: Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, placing them close together so they will touch as they bake.
- Step 8: Cover the rolls with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Step 10: Remove the cover and bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Step 11: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter and honey for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Step 12: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious gluten-free Hawaiian rolls!
Tips & Variations
- For best results, use gluten-free flour that already contains xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
- Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a different but still fruity flavor.
- Brush the baked rolls with coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking.
Storage
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly until soft.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the second rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can substitute pineapple juice with an equal amount of orange juice or a mild fruit juice, but keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor.
PrintGluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
These Gluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened with pineapple juice and honey, making them an irresistible treat for anyone avoiding gluten. The rolls have a classic pull-apart texture and a golden brown, shiny finish thanks to a buttery glaze. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or a delightful side to any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (at room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Whisk Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, instant yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients with Dry. Add the eggs and pineapple juice to the dry mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to mix until combined.
- Add Butter and Form Dough. Incorporate the softened butter into the mixture and continue mixing until all the butter is blended in and a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough. Using a dough hook on a mixer or by hand, knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If too sticky, add additional gluten-free flour one tablespoon at a time.
- First Proof. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the Dough. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the Dough Balls. Place the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Position them so they touch each other to create the classic pull-apart shape.
- Second Rise. Cover the rolls with a damp towel or plastic wrap again and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to get ready for baking.
- Bake Rolls. Remove the covering and bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush with Butter and Honey. Immediately after removing from oven, brush the rolls with the melted butter and honey mixture for a shiny, sweet finish.
- Serve. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their soft, sweet, and fluffy texture.
Notes
- Ensure that the eggs and pineapple juice are at room temperature to help activate the yeast properly.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, add gluten-free flour one tablespoon at a time to avoid a dry dough.
- Allowing the dough balls to touch while baking creates the pull-apart rolls with soft sides.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can be gently reheated for softness.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary.
Keywords: gluten-free, Hawaiian rolls, bread, pineapple juice, soft rolls, pull-apart rolls, yeast bread

