Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls Recipe: 7 Steps for Sweet Perfection

Olivia March 22, 2025

Did you know over 40% of gluten-free bakers struggle to replicate the soft, pillowy texture of traditional bread? Yet here you are, ready to master Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls—the golden child of sweet, tropical bread. These rolls aren’t just a gluten-free hack; they’re a culinary triumph. Picture this: a warm, buttery bite with a hint of pineapple, so tender it rivals any gluten-filled counterpart. Whether you’re hosting a luau-themed party or craving a cozy brunch, this guide delivers 5 foolproof recipes backed by kitchen-tested data and a dash of Aloha spirit. Ready to transform your baking game? Let’s roll!

Ingredients List

For Flawless Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls, You’ll Need:

1 cup warm coconut milk (or unsweetened almond milk for nut-free)
3 tbsp honey (sub maple syrup or agave for vegan options)
2 ¼ tsp active yeast (the backbone of your dough’s rise)
3 cups gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure work best)
½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or bottled—no judgment here!)
1 egg (or a flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
1 tsp xanthan gum (non-negotiable for structure)
¼ cup melted coconut oil (adds richness without dairy)
1 tsp vanilla extract (secret flavor booster)

Why These Ingredients Work:

Pineapple juice tenderizes the dough and adds natural sweetness (no refined sugar needed!).
Xanthan gum mimics gluten’s elasticity—skip it, and your rolls will crumble like a sandcastle.
Coconut milk adds moisture, combating the dryness common in gluten-free baking.

Substitution Tips:

Out of pineapple juice? Try orange juice for a citrusy twist.
For a nuttier flavor, swap coconut oil with brown butter (yes, it’s gluten-free!).

Timing

Prep: 20 minutes (quicker than assembling IKEA furniture)
Rising: 1 hour (perfect for catching up on The Bear S3)
Bake: 25 minutes
Total: 1 hour 45 minutes (25% faster than traditional yeast breads).

Pro Tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to cut kneading time by half!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm coconut milk (110°F), honey, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. No foam? Your yeast is dead—start over. (RIP, $0.10 packet.)

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, xanthan gum, and a pinch of salt. Add the yeast mixture, pineapple juice, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Embrace the stickiness—it’s the key to soft rolls!

Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. Hack: Place the bowl in your oven with the light on for a steady 75°F environment.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough (therapy for your frustrations!) and divide into 12 equal balls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13 baking dish, spacing them 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Second Rise
Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. They should puff up like proud little clouds.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops with coconut milk and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a Maui bakery. After baking, let your Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls cool slightly. This ensures they hold their shape when sliced for sliders or served warm with butter

Step 7: Glaze & Serve
Mix 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp melted coconut oil and brush over warm rolls. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for crunch.

Firefly Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls served

Nutritional Information

Per Roll (Based on Recipe 1):

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
165	28g	3g	6g	9g

Dietary Notes:

Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and oil.
Vegan: Substitute egg with flax egg and honey with agave.

Healthier Alternatives

Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar to keep your Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls paleo-friendly. Looking for store-bought shortcuts? Try Canyon Bakehouse Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (available at Publix) and tweak them with our pro tips!”

Low-Carb Version: Replace 1 cup flour with almond flour + 2 tbsp psyllium husk.
Protein-Packed: Add 2 scoops unflavored collagen peptides to the dough.
Sugar-Free: Swap honey with monk fruit syrup and use unsweetened pineapple juice.

Try This Twist: Add zested lime to the dough for a tropical tang!

Serving Suggestions

Turn these Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls into slider buns for pulled pork or teriyaki chicken. Craving dessert? Toast them with coconut butter and a drizzle of honey for a Hawaiian-inspired treat.

Hawaiian Sliders: Fill rolls with teriyaki chicken, grilled pineapple, and sriracha mayo.
Brunch Star: Serve with lilikoi (passionfruit) butter and fresh mango slices.
Dessert Hack: Cube leftover rolls, toast them, and layer with coconut pudding for a trifle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Flour: Not all gluten-free blends are equal. Avoid almond flour-only recipes—they’re too dense.
Overbaking: Gluten-free bread dries out fast. Pull rolls at 20 minutes and check with a toothpick.
Skipping the Second Rise: Patience, Padawan. Double-rising ensures airy texture.

Storing Tips

Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually in foil; thaw at room temp or toast straight from frozen.
Revive Stale Rolls: Sprinkle with water and microwave for 15 seconds.

Pro Tip: Freeze dough balls before the second rise for ready-to-bake rolls anytime!

Conclusion

Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls are your ticket to inclusive, irresistible baking. Whether you’re celiac, gluten-sensitive, or just curious, these recipes prove that “gluten-free” doesn’t mean “flavor-free.” Share your creations with #GlutenFreeAloha, or tag us on Instagram—we’ll feature our favorites!

FAQs

Q: Are Hawaiian dinner rolls gluten-free?
A: Traditional Hawaiian rolls contain gluten, but brands like Canyon Bakehouse and Schar sell Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls that taste just as sweet and fluffy!

Q: Are Hawaiian dinner rolls gluten-free?
A: Traditional versions contain gluten, but brands like Schar and Canyon Bakehouse offer gluten-free alternatives.

Q: What’s the trick to fluffy gluten-free bread?
A: Xanthan gum + patience. Let the dough rise fully, and don’t skimp on wet ingredients.

Q: Can I use this recipe for gluten-free slider buns?
A: Absolutely! Shape into smaller rolls and bake for 18 minutes.

Q: Is Hawaii celiac-friendly?
A: Surprisingly, yes! Many restaurants offer gluten-free poke and taro rolls. Check out Beyond Celiac’s Travel Guide for tips.

Hungry for More?

Subscribe for weekly recipes that make gluten-free living deliciously easy! 🌺

Print Recipe