Are you craving the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll but looking for a healthier, more nutritious option? Then look no further! This sweet potato cinnamon roll recipe delivers all the delicious gooey goodness you love, with a wholesome twist thanks to the addition of sweet potatoes. It's a surprisingly easy recipe perfect for weekend baking or a special treat, proving that healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this unique and satisfying dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Dough:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the rolls warm once baked.
- Prepare the sweet potato: Peel and cube a large sweet potato. Boil until tender, then mash thoroughly. Let it cool slightly.
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the mashed sweet potato, sugar, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling & Assemble the Rolls:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Bake & Glaze:
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly in the pan before drizzling generously with the glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular butter in the filling.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the filling.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, butter, and eggs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 12-15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This recipe is a great example of how easy recipes can be both delicious and healthy. Enjoy this sweet treat guilt-free! These homemade cinnamon rolls make a fantastic addition to any brunch or dessert spread. The best recipes often incorporate unexpected ingredients to create unique and memorable flavor profiles. Let us know in the comments how yours turn out!