Ube Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Ube Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Purple Twist

Soft, pillowy ube cinnamon rolls bring a delightful twist to classic breakfast pastries.

sweet purple yam infuses each swirl with vibrant color and unique flavor.

Filipino dessert lovers will appreciate this creative fusion of traditional ingredients.

Warm spices complement the earthy ube, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and excitement.

Delicate dough enriched with rich cream promises an indulgent morning treat.

Gentle swirls of cinnamon and ube promise a breakfast experience that delights every sense.

Bake these rolls and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Purple Sweet Rolls for Brighter Mornings

  • Whip Up Colorful Delight: These purple sweet rolls bring vibrant, eye-catching color to your table, making them a showstopper for any gathering or breakfast spread.
  • Craft Beginner-Friendly Treat: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guide you through each stage of creating delicious rolls with confidence.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different fillings or frostings to make these rolls uniquely yours, allowing personal creativity to shine through a simple base recipe.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, warm rolls with sweet cinnamon filling create an irresistible aroma that draws family and friends together, promising pure culinary comfort.

Purple Sweet Rolls Ingredient Lineup

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundation of the dough that provides structure and texture for the sweet rolls.
  • Purple Sweet Potato: Gives the rolls a unique color and adds natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a soft, fluffy texture.
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
  • Milk, Water: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
  • Butter, Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the rolls.
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Provides sweetness and warm, aromatic flavor to the rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the roll's taste profile.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy topping with a rich texture.
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract: Helps achieve the right consistency and adds flavor to the frosting.

Baking Purple Sweet Rolls Start to Finish

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Warm water in a bowl and sprinkle yeast to wake it up.

Let it sit and become foamy, which signals the yeast is ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Blend Dough Components

Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs

Mix everything until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Develop Dough Texture

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead thoroughly.

Push, fold, and turn the dough repeatedly until it becomes smooth and elastic.

This process develops gluten and creates a perfect texture.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel.

Let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, typically 60-90 minutes.

Step 5: Create Purple Filling

Blend these ingredients in a separate bowl:
  • Mashed purple sweet potato
  • Cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened cream cheese

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Punch down risen dough and roll into a large rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.

Step 7: Spread Purple Filling

Generously spread the purple sweet potato mixture across the entire dough surface, leaving a small border around edges.

Step 8: Form Delightful Rolls

Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight spiral.

Slice into even rounds using a sharp knife.

Step 9: Second Rise

Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Step 11: Whip Creamy Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Generously spread frosting over warm rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful purple sweet rolls!

Tips for Lighter and Fluffier Sweet Rolls

  • Select vibrant, firm purple sweet potatoes for the most intense color and sweetness.
  • Avoid overworking dough to prevent tough rolls; mix just until ingredients combine smoothly.
  • Keep dough in warm, draft-free area to ensure proper rising and soft texture.
  • Use dental floss or sharp knife to cut rolls uniformly for consistent baking and presentation.
  • Reduce sugar in filling for less sweet version or add more for intense flavor profile.

Purple Sweet Rolls Unique Fillings to Try

  • Lavender Bliss Rolls: Replace purple sweet potato with mashed lavender-infused sweet potato for a fragrant herbal twist.
  • Gluten-Free Purple Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Vegan Purple Passion: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based milk, and egg substitute to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Purple Wellness: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly and lower-calorie alternative.

Purple Sweet Rolls Serving for a Crowd

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these purple sweet rolls with a steaming mug of vanilla latte or fresh-pressed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to create a stunning brunch spread that will impress family and friends.
  • Dessert Transformation: After cooling, drizzle extra frosting and sprinkle edible lavender petals for an elegant dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.
  • Gifting Delight: Package cooled rolls in cute kraft paper boxes with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal culinary love.

Storing Sweet Rolls to Keep Them Soft

  • Store covered rolls in airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping moisture sealed tight to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag, storing up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds, ensuring soft texture and delicious taste remains intact.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes until heated through completely.

FAQs

  • What makes the rolls purple?

The purple color comes from using purple sweet potatoes or ube in the dough, which naturally gives the rolls a beautiful lavender hue.

  • Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, but the color won’t be as vibrant. Purple sweet potatoes or ube provide the distinctive purple color and unique flavor.

  • How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when gently pressed. It typically takes 5-10 minutes of kneading to reach the right consistency.

  • Are these rolls best served warm?

Absolutely! The rolls are most delicious when served warm, with the frosting slightly melted and the texture soft and fluffy.

Print
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Ube Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ube Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet, pillowy ube cinnamon rolls blend Filipino purple yam magic with classic American breakfast comfort. Rich purple swirls and creamy glaze promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast

Filling and Sweeteners:

  • 1 1/2 cups (330 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ube extract
  • 3 tablespoons Trader Joe’s ube spread

Fats and Cream Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft a silky, elastic dough by blending all ingredients until a cohesive, smooth texture forms.
  2. Vigorously knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes, developing gluten and creating elasticity.
  3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rest in a warm environment for approximately 60 minutes until volume doubles.
  4. Prepare the aromatic filling by combining rich butter, sweet cinnamon, and granulated sugar into a harmonious mixture.
  5. Gently roll the risen dough into a precise rectangular shape, ensuring uniform thickness across the surface.
  6. Generously spread softened butter across the dough’s surface, then evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar blend.
  7. Carefully roll the dough from the longer edge, creating a tight cylindrical shape, then slice into consistent 1.5-inch segments.
  8. Arrange the rolled pieces in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each roll.
  9. Cover the dish and permit a second rising period of 35-40 minutes in a draft-free location.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 22-28 minutes until golden brown and center rolls appear fully cooked.
  11. Whip frosting ingredients until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps.
  12. Delicately spread frosting over warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create an irresistible glaze.

Notes

  • Use vibrant purple sweet potatoes for natural color and extra nutrition, ensuring a stunning violet hue in your rolls.
  • Knead dough gently to develop gluten without overworking, which keeps rolls soft and tender.
  • Proof dough in a warm, draft-free spot to help yeast activate perfectly and create fluffy texture.
  • Try alternative flours like gluten-free blend or whole wheat for dietary adaptations without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 299 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 36 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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