Why do we call these sweet dinner rolls unbeatable? Because we haven’t found a recipe that can match their pillowy softness or subtle sweetness. With a hint of tropical fruit flavors infused into the dough, every bite of Unbeatable Sweet Dinner Rolls feels like a vacation in the warm sun—even when the snow is piling up outside! These Unbeatable Sweet Dinner Rolls can serve as the foundation for a truly amazing Thanksgiving sandwich, as a side to a Christmas ham, or as a comforting and simple dessert. The sky’s the limit when these rolls are on the table!
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided into 5 cups and two separate 1/4 cups, plus more for kneading
- 4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 9 tablespoons whole milk, divided into 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) and 1 tablespoon
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1 –Grease the dough hook of a stand mixer.
Step 2 –In the bowl of the stand mixer whisk together 5 cups of flour with the yeast and salt.
Step 3 –In a microwave-safe, medium-sized bowl combine 1/2 cup of milk with the pineapple juice, 6 tablespoons of butter, and the honey.
Step 4 –Microwave the milk mixture in 20-second increments until it reaches somewhere between 120 and 130 degrees F, about 90 seconds.
Step 5 –Set the stand mixer to low speed. Add the dark brown sugar, 1 egg, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and the milk mixture to the bowl of the stand mixer while it stirs.
Step 6 –Use a spatula to scrape down the side of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are mixed. Let the stand mixer knead the mixture on low until it forms a dough that pulls away from the bowl, about 2 minutes.
Step 7 –Increase the mixing speed to medium-low and continue kneading until the dough is elastic and smooth, for about 7 minutes. The dough should still be sticky on the bottom.
Step 8 –Reduce the mixing speed to low and add 1/4 cup of flour. Mix until thoroughly combined and until the dough has a slightly tacky texture. You can add up to another 1/4 cup flour, if needed, to reach the desired texture.
Step 9 –Use the remaining flour to prepare a work surface.
Step 10 –Remove the dough from the stand mixer and place it on the floured work surface. Cover the dough and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 11 –Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
Step 12 –Once the dough has rested, cut it into 18 even pieces and roll them into balls with smooth tops. Add additional flour to the work surface as needed.
Step 13 –Place the dough balls into the greased pan, leaving 1/2 inch of space around the corners of the pan.
Step 14 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 15 –Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and leave the dough to prove in a warm place. Let the dough double in size, about 30-40 minutes. The rolls should be touching each other and nearly filling the pan.
Step 16 –Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk and the remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash on the top and sides of the rolls. (This is vital to its color.)
Step 17 –Bake the rolls, making sure to rotate them halfway through, until golden brown and shiny on the surface, about 18 to 20 minutes.
Step 18 –Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the tray on a wire rack.
Step 19 –While the rolls cool, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 20 –Remove the rolls from the tray and brush them on all sides with the melted butter.
Step 21 –Serve warm!