Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you know how comforting a warm, sweet roll can be, especially when enhanced with the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just your average roll; they’re a warm hug wrapped in dough. Trust me; your kitchen is about to smell like pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try. First off, sweet potatoes are not just delicious; they bring tons of nutrients to the table. Packed with vitamins and fiber, they make these rolls a bit healthier while still tasting indulgent. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the flavor profile, offering a warm, cozy embrace in every bite.
These rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a beautiful golden-brown hue that’ll have you reaching for seconds. Plus, the cream cheese icing brings everything together, adding a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced filling. The best part? This recipe is approachable, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Step-by-Step: Making Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Ready to roll? Let’s dive into making these delightful Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls. You won’t need to be a master baker to achieve bakery-worthy rolls at home!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Directions
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Once dissolved, mix in the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Add the flour along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the sweet potato pie filling over it (sweet potato puree mixed with sugar and spices).
- Roll the dough tightly and cut it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and serve while they’re still cozy and warm.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
These Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls are versatile when it comes to serving! You can enjoy them fresh from the oven, topped with that creamy icing. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent breakfast or brunch. For a more festive touch, consider garnishing with some chopped pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Try serving these rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or warmed so they’re gooey and melty.
Keeping Your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Fresh
Proper storage is key to enjoying these delectable rolls at their best! If you have leftovers (which is rare, let’s be honest), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
When you want to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm roll, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that freshly-baked texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast and high-quality flour will make a difference in achieving fluffy rolls. If you’re unsure about your yeast, proof it first before adding it to the dough.
- Don’t Skip the Rise: Letting the dough rise is vital for beautiful, airy rolls. Ensure you find a warm spot in your kitchen for this process.
- Experiment with Spices: You can add cardamom, allspice, or even a dash of ginger to give these rolls your own unique twist. Each spice brings its own character to the rolls!
- Chill Your Cream Cheese: For easy spreading, make sure your cream cheese is soft but not melted. It should blend smoothly with the sugar and vanilla for that dreamy icing.
Creative Twists on Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
While these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls are perfect as they are, there are various ways to customize them further. Here are a few ideas:
- Add-ins: Consider incorporating nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Frosting Variations: Instead of orange juice, try using maple syrup or even a splash of bourbon in your icing for an extra kick.
- Make It Fun: You could even turn these rolls into a pull-apart version by leaving them attached in the baking dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just cook and mash your sweet potatoes before using them in the recipe for the best results.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just place it in the refrigerator after kneading and let it rise for about an hour before rolling it out the next day.
3. What can I substitute for the cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
And there you have it! Your guide to making Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls that will have you feeling like a kitchen rockstar. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Print
Heavenly Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls combine the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with comforting spices, creating a fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Mix in mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the sweet potato filling over it.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For icing, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
Serve fresh from the oven for best taste. Consider adding chopped pecans for a crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg