The Sourdough Journey: Embracing Creativity

Jumping on the sourdough bandwagon is an exciting adventure, especially as you nurture your starter and watch it bubble with life. However, a common challenge many face is figuring out how to best use that precious starter. While the recipe for these sweet Hawaiian rolls doesn’t technically use discard, it showcases the versatility and deliciousness of sourdough in a delightful way.

Why Use Sourdough Starter?

Reducing Waste

Using your active sourdough starter instead of letting it sit unused helps minimize waste. You can create mouthwatering treats while keeping your starter healthy and active.

Flavor and Texture

Sourdough starter contributes a unique tang and enhances the texture of your baked goods, making them incredibly soft and flavorful. These sweet Hawaiian rolls are a perfect example of how sourdough can elevate your baking.

Nutritional Benefits

Sourdough bread is known for its digestibility and nutritional advantages. Incorporating sourdough into your recipes not only adds flavor but also boosts the overall healthiness of your meals.

The Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Let’s dive into the recipe for these scrumptious sweet Hawaiian rolls, which are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup sourdough starter (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with a dough hook
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Greased 9×13 baking dish
• Plastic wrap or a tight lid
• Kitchen towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mixing the Dough

Adding Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine all the ingredients (except the egg wash): pineapple juice, milk, sugar, sourdough starter, softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, salt, and all-purpose flour.

Kneading the Dough

Attach the dough hook and knead the mixture on low to medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

2. First Rise

Allowing the Dough to Rest

Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rise overnight for 8-12 hours. This long rise allows the flavors to develop and the dough to become beautifully airy.

3. Shaping the Rolls

Dividing the Dough

After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 18 equal portions, shaping each piece into a ball.

Placing in the Baking Dish

Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

4. Second Rise

Letting the Rolls Puff Up

Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise until doubled in size. This typically takes about 1-3 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

5. Preparing for Baking

Creating the Egg Wash

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create the egg wash.

6. Baking the Rolls

Applying the Egg Wash

Once the dough has doubled, gently brush the egg wash over the tops of the rolls for a beautiful golden finish.

Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cooling and Enjoying

Letting the Rolls Cool

After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoying Your Sweet Hawaiian Rolls

These sweet Hawaiian rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. They can be served warm with butter, used for sliders, or enjoyed as a breakfast treat. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor are sure to please your family and friends.

Storage Tips

To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

The Joy of Sourdough

Making sweet Hawaiian rolls with sourdough starter has been a rewarding experience for my family and me. Not only do these rolls taste fantastic, but they also reflect a commitment to creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen.

Have you experimented with using sourdough starter in your baking? If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to try this sweet Hawaiian rolls recipe! Share your results or any variations you come up with in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the delicious possibilities of sourdough together!