There’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of freshly baked sweet potato cinnamon rolls wafting through the house on a lazy weekend morning. When I first experimented with adding sweet potatoes to my classic cinnamon roll recipe, it was like a warm hug in pastry form. The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes not only make these rolls irresistibly fluffy, but they also bring a delightful twist that elevates a traditional favorite.
Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, these vegan-friendly rolls are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and love. Whether you’re preparing for a special brunch or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe promises to fill your kitchen with joy and your heart with flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the deliciousness of these Fluffy Vegan Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls!
Why are Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes and warm spices creates a mouthwatering experience that will have you reaching for seconds.
Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy this beloved treat without compromising your dietary preferences.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making this an easy and accessible recipe for everyone.
Perfectly Fluffy: Each roll emerges bakery-soft, thanks to the moisture from sweet potatoes.
Versatile Delight: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or even as a delightful snack. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging yourself, these rolls will impress! For more delicious treats, check out my baking tips for the perfect dough every time.
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Sweet Potatoes – Provides natural sweetness and moisture, helping to bind the dough; use 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Primary structure ingredient for the dough; more may be needed depending on moisture content in the sweet potatoes.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to both the dough and filling; can substitute with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
• Oil (Vegetable or Avocado) – Contributes fat for tenderness; substitute with melted coconut oil for an added nutty flavor.
• Instant Yeast – Essential for leavening the dough; if using active dry yeast, remember it needs to be activated first.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and assists with dough rising.
• Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda to help the rolls rise.
• Baking Soda – Boosts the dough’s leavening power for fluffy rolls.
For the Filling
• Unsalted Margarine or Butter – Provides richness and flavor in both the filling and frosting; vegan margarine works perfectly in this recipe.
• Cinnamon – Provides the classic cinnamon roll flavor; adjust according to your preference for spice intensity.
• Ground Cloves – Adds a warm spice note; use sparingly as it can be potent.
• Ground Nutmeg – Complements the other spices beautifully; fresh nutmeg offers a more robust flavor.
For the Icing
• Cream Cheese – Used for icing to create a creamy texture; vegan cream cheese works excellently as a substitute here.
Explore the deliciousness of Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls, and savor every bite of this delightful treat!
How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
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Mash Sweet Potato: Peel, dice, and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth to create a silky base for your rolls.
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Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth mashed sweet potatoes with flour, brown sugar, oil, instant yeast, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes with a mixer or 10 by hand.
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Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1.5 hours. This step is vital for that fluffy texture!
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Prepare Filling: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread a mixture of melted margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon, and your choice of spices evenly over the surface, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.
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Roll & Slice: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 equal rolls using floss or a knife, ensuring even baking.
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Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let rise for 30-60 minutes as you preheat your oven to 350°F. They’ll puff up beautifully during this time.
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Bake: Once the rolls have risen, remove any covering and bake them for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
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Make Icing: In a separate bowl, whip together the ingredients for the icing until smooth and creamy, creating the perfect topping for your warm rolls.
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Serve: Spread the icing over the warm rolls and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!
Optional: Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy their fluffiness again.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. They can be kept for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking for a fresh treat.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen baked rolls, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back their soft texture. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls warm for the best flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to enjoy fresh rolls even on the busiest mornings. Simply follow the initial steps of mashing the sweet potatoes, making the dough, and letting it rise before refrigerating it. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed to roll, slice, and let the rolls rise before baking. For even more convenience, consider freezing unbaked rolls after slicing—just thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise again before baking. This way, you’ll have delicious, fluffy Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls with minimal effort, just as delightful as when they’re made fresh!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
• Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour until smooth. Ensure sweet potatoes are drained well to avoid excess moisture.
• Yeast Activation: If using active dry yeast, remember to activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for optimal rise before mixing.
• Rolling Technique: When rolling the dough, keep it tight to avoid loose rolls. Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
• Ideal Rising Temperature: Find a warm spot for the dough to rise, such as in an oven (turned off) with the light on. This ensures a fluffy texture for your sweet potato cinnamon rolls.
• Storage Tips: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Enjoy Fresh: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but warming them up slightly enhances their delightful taste as well!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls?
Delightful and fluffy, these cinnamon rolls can be an unforgettable centerpiece for your breakfast or brunch spread.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet rolls, balancing the richness perfectly.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling this classic syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls, creating a delightful dessert for any time of day.
- Plant-Based Yogurt: A side of creamy, dairy-free yogurt adds a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola alongside warm cinnamon rolls introduces a delightful texture and nutty flavor that elevates breakfast.
- Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of a robust coffee or fragrant herbal tea pair wonderfully, enhancing your overall experience.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this non-dairy topping adds a luscious finish that feels indulgent without the heaviness.
- Chia Seed Pudding: For an added health boost, serve chia pudding’s creamy texture that provides fiber and nutrients alongside the rolls.
- Milk Alternative: A cold glass of almond or oat milk serves as a wholesome drink, complementing the rolls’ sweetness without overpowering it.
- Vegan Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate your rolls from delightful to divine!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel inspired to put your own spin on these delightful treats with some creative tweaks!
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Pumpkin Substitute: Replace sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist that’s just as fluffy and sweet.
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Gluten-Free Delight: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities without losing that delicious texture.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the filling for a warm kick that beautifully complements the sweetness.
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Nutty Additions: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
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Fruity Flavors: Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a chewy contrast in each roll, enhancing the overall experience.
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Choco-Lovers: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle dark chocolate chips in the filling before rolling to elevate the decadence of these rolls.
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Coconut Bliss: Substitute the icing with a coconut cream glaze for a tropical flair that pairs perfectly with the spices.
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Overnight Rolls: Prepare the dough in the evening and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a quick and easy morning treat. Just shape and bake when you’re ready!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin and no dark spots or bruises. The ideal sweet potatoes should have a vibrant orange color and feel heavy for their size. I recommend using medium-sized sweet potatoes, as they provide the perfect amount for this recipe.
How should I store leftover sweet potato cinnamon rolls?
Very simple! After they have cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, you can reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. They’ll be fluffy and ready to enjoy again!
Can I freeze sweet potato cinnamon rolls, and how?
Yes, you can! Before the second rise, simply place unbaked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to bake them, remove from the freezer overnight to thaw in the refrigerator. The next day, let them rise until puffy before baking as directed, ensuring you’re greeted by fresh, warm rolls!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry, it’s a common issue! If you encounter sticky dough, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency. Make sure your sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling to avoid excess moisture—this step is crucial for the right texture.
Are sweet potato cinnamon rolls suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely vegan-friendly, making it a wonderful choice for those avoiding animal products. You can use plant-based margarine for both the filling and icing, and vegan cream cheese works beautifully for the frosting. Enjoy these rolls with peace of mind!
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for this recipe?
Very much so! If you need a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the dough texture might slightly change, but you’ll still get fluffy, delicious results!
Irresistible Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mash Sweet Potato: Peel, dice, and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth mashed sweet potatoes with flour, brown sugar, oil, instant yeast, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes with a mixer or 10 by hand.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Filling: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread a mixture of melted margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon, and your choice of spices evenly over the surface.
- Roll & Slice: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls using floss or a knife.
- Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let rise for 30-60 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake: Once risen, remove covering and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Icing: In a separate bowl, whip together the ingredients for the icing until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Spread icing over warm rolls and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!