Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls with Pineapple
Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls are delightful, soft rolls bursting with tropical flavors. These sweet, pillowy treats are made with a rich dough that rises beautifully and is complemented by a luscious layer of coconut and optional pineapple at the bottom. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or as a unique dessert, these rolls embody the essence of Samoan cuisine, promising a taste of the islands with every bite. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, they are sure to become a favorite in any home. Enhance your experience by keeping your hands moist while kneading the dough for a smooth finish.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
5 3/4-6 1/4 cups (sifted, divided as needed)
Yeast
1/4 ounce (active dry)
Milk
2 1/4 cups (heated)
Milk
2 tablespoons (for brushing)
Sugar
1 cup (plus 1 tablespoon for coconut mixture)
Margarine or Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Canned coconut
2 (8 ounce) cans (for bottom layer)
Canned pineapple (optional)
1 cup (diced, for bottom layer)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour and the yeast; mix well.
2
In a saucepan, heat and stir 2 1/4 cups of milk, sugar, melted margarine or butter, and salt until warm, ensuring the margarine or butter almost melts.
3
Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour and yeast mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl as needed.
4
Gradually stir in the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a moderately stiff dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5
Shape the dough into a ball, then place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat on all sides. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place (such as an oven with a pan of hot water underneath) for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
6
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and cover them with a cloth to rest for 10 minutes.
7
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk and sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
8
In two 13x9x2 inch pans, pour half of the coconut milk mixture into each pan. If using, scatter the diced pineapple evenly across the bottom.
9
Place 9 dough balls on top of the milk mixture in each pan. Let them rise briefly while the oven preheats.
10
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and test done.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a delightful snack or dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls with Pineapple?
Samoan Coconut Sweet Rolls are soft, pillowy yeast rolls baked on a layer of sweet coconut milk and optional diced pineapple, offering a tropical island-inspired flavor.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 3/4 to 6 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted and divided as needed during the mixing process.
What kind of yeast should be used?
You should use 1/4 ounce of active dry yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
How much milk is required for the dough?
The dough requires 2 1/4 cups of milk, which should be heated before being combined with the flour and yeast.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either melted margarine or melted butter for the dough.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the first rising time for the dough?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
How many individual rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 18 equal-sized dough balls, which are then divided between two baking pans.
How long should the dough balls rest after being shaped?
After dividing and shaping the dough into 18 balls, they should be covered with a cloth and allowed to rest for 10 minutes.
What goes into the bottom of the baking pans?
A mixture of coconut milk and sugar is poured into the pans, along with optional diced pineapple, to create a sweet base for the rolls.
What size baking pans are needed?
You will need two 13x9x2 inch pans to accommodate the 18 rolls.
How many rolls are placed in each pan?
Nine dough balls should be placed on top of the coconut milk mixture in each of the two pans.
Is the pineapple a mandatory ingredient?
No, the diced pineapple is optional and can be scattered across the bottom of the pans according to your preference.
What is the suggested baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for baking.
How long do the rolls need to bake?
The rolls should bake for approximately 20 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Yeast Bread.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the coconut layer?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar mixed into the coconut milk to suit your personal sweetness preference.
What tip is provided for a smoother dough finish?
Keeping your hands moist while kneading the dough can help achieve a smoother finish.
How should the rolls be served?
The rolls are best enjoyed warm, either as a delightful snack or a tropical dessert.
What should I do after the first rise?
Once the dough has doubled in size, you should punch it down gently before dividing it into 18 pieces.
Is there a specific way to heat the milk mixture?
Heat and stir the milk, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan until warm and the butter is almost melted.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What kind of coconut is used for the bottom layer?
The recipe specifies using two 8-ounce cans of coconut milk or canned coconut for the bottom layer.
How do I prepare the dough for its first rise?
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and turn it once to coat all sides before covering.
What is the purpose of the 2 tablespoons of extra milk?
The extra 2 tablespoons of milk are used for brushing the rolls.
How do I know if the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and pass a standard doneness test.
What is a good way to encourage the dough to rise?
Placing the bowl in a warm place, such as an oven with a pan of hot water underneath, helps the dough rise effectively.
Can these rolls be eaten at room temperature?
Yes, while they are excellent warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
What makes these rolls a Samoan-style dish?
The combination of sweet yeast dough with a rich coconut milk base is a hallmark of traditional Samoan island cuisine.