Sweet Potato Rolls

When I think of heartwarming comfort food, Sweet Potato Rolls always come to mind. Each bite is like a hug from the inside, soft and slightly sweet with the essence of fall. I remember the first time I made these rolls; the aroma of warm dough filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. They disappeared almost as quickly as I could pull them out of the oven! There’s something magical about the combination of vibrant sweet potatoes and buttery dough that turns a simple roll into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive Thanksgiving gathering, these rolls always steal the spotlight. They’re not just an accompaniment; they become the star of the meal. I love serving them warm with a drizzle of brown sugar glaze, making every bite feel like a special treat. Baking these rolls is more than just a recipe for me; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with loved ones.

What to Buy for Sweet Potato Rolls

When it comes to making delicious Sweet Potato Rolls, the quality of your ingredients matters. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The key players in this recipe are the sweet potatoes, yeast, and flour. They work together harmoniously to create a delightful treat that’s both comforting and satisfying.

• 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced – The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – Essential for leavening the rolls, giving them that fluffy texture.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – A touch of sweetness to enhance the flavors.
• 1 cup whole milk, warm – Helps activate the yeast and creates a tender roll.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor.
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• ¼ cup salted butter, melted – Used for glazing, giving the rolls a delicious finish.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds sweetness and richness to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon – Introduces warm, cozy flavors to the rolls.

Instructions for Sweet Potato Rolls

Baking Sweet Potato Rolls is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and the sweet aroma of bread. Follow these steps closely, and soon you’ll have a batch of irresistible rolls ready to serve. Let’s get started!

1. Dice 2 cups sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. I used 2 small sweet potatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the sweet potatoes, and boil until they are fork tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the boiled sweet potato until smooth. This will serve as the base for your rolls.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup warm whole milk. Let it sit until it starts to froth, about 5 minutes. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to use.
3. To the yeast mixture, add the mashed sweet potato, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon salt. Using a dough hook, mix on low until combined. At this point, determine if you need to add additional flour. If the dough isn’t pulling away from the mixer, add flour in ¼ cup increments.
4. Once the dough reaches the desired texture, mix for an additional 2 to 4 minutes on medium speed to develop the gluten. You want it to be smooth and slightly elastic.
5. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a warm, damp towel. Let it rest for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in size. This is an essential step for achieving fluffy rolls.
6. After the dough has risen, gently remove it from the bowl and fold it. The goal of folding is to degas and stretch the dough slightly, then form it back into a ball. This helps develop the gluten structure further. Return the dough to the bowl and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
7. While the dough rests, prepare your baking pan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This will prevent the rolls from sticking.
8. When the dough has risen again, dump it onto a lightly floured surface and stretch it slightly into a square, about 12 inches by 12 inches. Cut out 12 rolls from the dough.
9. Roll each section of dough into balls and place them evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them proof until they are about double in size, roughly 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Once the rolls have proofed and doubled in size, place them in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The rolls should be a light golden brown and have an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the brown sugar glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup salted butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
12. When the rolls are finished baking, brush them generously with the brown sugar glaze while they are still warm. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps the glaze soak in.

Customization Ideas

While Sweet Potato Rolls are perfect as they are, there’s always room for some personal touches! Here are some fun ideas to customize your rolls:

• Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can give the rolls an aromatic twist.
• Cheese: For those who enjoy savory flavors, try incorporating cheese like cheddar into the dough.
• Sweet Additions: Mixing in raisins or nuts can add texture and flavor to your rolls.
• Glaze Variations: Instead of a brown sugar glaze, consider a maple syrup glaze for a different sweetness.
• Mini Rolls: Shape the dough into mini rolls for a fun appetizer size or for serving at parties.
• Stuffed Rolls: Get creative by stuffing the rolls with different fillings like cream cheese or pumpkin puree.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Rolls

Serving Sweet Potato Rolls can be as creative as baking them! Here are some ideas on how to present them:

• Warm and Fresh: Serve the rolls warm right out of the oven for the best taste experience.
• With Butter: Provide butter on the side for guests to spread over their rolls.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these rolls with roasted meats, like turkey or chicken, to complement the flavors.
• For Brunch: They make a delightful addition to any brunch table, served alongside eggs and fruit.
• Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, adding a festive touch to the meal.
• Picnic Treat: Take them on a picnic; they hold up well and make for a delicious snack.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for future use; just thaw and bake when you’re ready!

FAQ

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Rolls are truly a delightful addition to any meal, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the comforting texture of freshly baked bread. I encourage you to try making these rolls for your next family gathering or holiday celebration. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they disappear and how much everyone loves them!

Sweet Potato Rolls

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Sweet Potato Rolls. Soft, sweet, and perfectly fluffy, they're an easy weeknight dinner side or a festive addition to your holiday table. Make them tonight for a treat everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups sweet potatoes diced
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup whole milk warm
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup salted butter melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Frying pan
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Dice 2 cups sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the sweet potatoes, and boil until they are fork tender. Drain the water and mash the boiled sweet potato until smooth.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup warm whole milk. Let it sit until it starts to froth, about 5 minutes.
3. To the yeast mixture, add the mashed sweet potato, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon salt. Using a dough hook, mix on low until combined.
4. Once the dough reaches the desired texture, mix for an additional 2 to 4 minutes on medium speed to develop the gluten.
5. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm towel and let it rise for about 1 hour.
6. After the dough has risen, gently fold it and return it to the bowl for another 30 minutes.
7. Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying with cooking spray.
8. When the dough has risen again, dump it onto a floured surface and cut out 12 rolls.
9. Roll the dough sections into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Let them proof until double in size.
10. Once the rolls have proofed, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
11. While baking, whisk together ¼ cup salted butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the glaze.
12. Brush the warm rolls with the glaze after baking and allow them to rest before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for future use; thaw and bake when ready.
• Pairing: Serve with roasted meats or enjoy during brunch.
• Rolling Tips: Gently roll the dough to maintain the airiness of the rolls.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Previous PostStrawberry Freezer Jam

Next Post Sauteed Yellow Squash

Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.