These Purple Potato Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of charm and flavor. They're soft, fluffy, and have a fun purple color thanks to mashed purple sweet potatoes. Topped with a delightful orange cream cheese frosting, each bite is a delectable experience that will leave you craving more.
Jump to:
- ❤️Why you will love this recipe
- 🥣Equipment
- 📝The Ingredients
- 💜What are purple potatoes
- 💜Purple Potato Alternatives
- 👩🏻🍳How to make purple potato cinnamon rolls
- 💤 Overnight Instructions
- 🔪How to best cut cinnamon rolls
- 🍴Serving suggestions
- 🥄Storage
- 💭Frequently asked questions
- More dessert recipes to try
- 📖 Recipe
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❤️Why you will love this recipe
- Unique Twist: The use of purple potatoes in the filling adds a visually stunning element and a subtly nutty taste, elevating these cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of uniqueness.
- Soft and Pillowy: The dough is pillowy soft and practically melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Whether you serve them as a scrumptious breakfast treat, a dessert, or a snack, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion.
- Make Ahead: The dough and fillings can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls whenever you wantwith minimal effort.
- Freezer-Friendly: These rolls freeze well, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
If you love the earthy flavor and creamy filling of this recipe you should also try my pumpkin pie toaster strudel, the easy way to enjoy that creamy pumpkin pie filling without having to fight with the pie dough.
🥣Equipment
These tools will assist you in creating the perfect dough, assembling the filling, and baking the rolls:
- Large Pot: For boiling and mashing the purple potatoes .
- Potato Masher or Back of a Spoon: Both work but the potato masher is easier on your arms.
- Small Mixing Bowl: To mix the cinnamon filling in.
- Measuring Cup or Small Bowl: Needed to activate the dry yeast .
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the dough you will need a large bowl.
- Rolling Pin: Use your favorite rolling pin, or even a wine bottle, To roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Cast Iron Pot or Baking Pan: As the rolls get baked you need an ove-prove dish like a cast iron pot or baking pan.
- Sharp Knife or Unflavored Floss: To cut the rolled dough into individual rolls, creating uniform pieces. Choose whatever works best for you!
- Medium-Sized Mixing Bowl: A medium sited bowl should be good for the frosting.
📝The Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the scrumptious potato cinnamon rolls:
- Purple Potatoes: Use purple sweet potatoes for this recipe to get the best flavor. I have listed some alternatives further down in the post.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room-temperature for the best results.
- Brown Sugar: The added molasses of the brown sugar adds to the nutiness of the flavor. White sugar can be used instead.
- Ground Cinnamon: Use a good quality cinnamon.
- All-Purpose Flour: All-Purpose flour is needed for this recipe. Other kinds of flour can be used but the success is not guaranteed.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for this recipe.
- Milk: This recipe uses whole milk. Milk alternatives can be used but have not been tested.
- Dry Yeast: This recipe uses standard dry yeast. See instructions for fresh yeast in the FAQ's
- Granulated Sugar: Activates the yeast and enhances the dough's flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the dough's taste with a delicate essence and enhances the frosting's aroma and flavor.
- Salt: Balances and accentuates the flavors in the dough.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious frosting, adding creaminess and tangy goodness. I usually use Philadelphia but any would work
- Orange: Infuses a refreshing citrus note into the frosting. Please choose an organic orange as you will need the juice and peel.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth and fluffy texture, adding sweetness.
💜What are purple potatoes
Purple potatoes are a visually stunning variety of potatoes that stand out with their vibrant and richly colored flesh. I am sure you haseen them in the store before and admired them.
Unlike traditional white or yellow potatoes, these unique tubers showcase shades ranging from deep purple to lavender. The purple hue in the potatoes is attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants found in certain fruits and vegetables.
Not only are they very pretty, but purple potatoes also offer a distinct and slightly nutty flavor, different from their conventional counterparts. The potatoes can be used like any normal potato. With their nutty flavor they're not only good in savory dishes, salads, but also in sweet treats like Purple Potato Cinnamon Rolls.
💜Purple Potato Alternatives
If you can't get your hands on purple potatoes in your area fear not, as there are several options you can use instead. Here are some wonderful alternatives to consider:
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap purple potatoes for sweet potatoes, which will infuse the filling with a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor, very close to the purple sweet potatoes.
- Regular Potatoes: Opt for traditional white or yellow potatoes to maintain the classic taste of cinnamon rolls while enjoying a creamy and familiar potato filling. You could add a pinch of nutmeg to get some of the nuttiness back into the flavor profile.
- Butternut Squash: Roasted and mashed butternut squash has a subtle sweetness and a similar nuttiness as the purple sweet potato making it a great substitute.
- Pumpkin: Use canned pumpkin puree instead to make a seasonal fall roll.
👩🏻🍳How to make purple potato cinnamon rolls
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
1. Boil and mash purple sweet potatoes for the filling.
2. Make and let the dough rise.
3. Spread cinnamon filling and potato mixture on the dough.
4. Then roll and cut into rolls and let them rise again, then bake until golden.
5. Let them rise again, then bake until golden.
6. Prepare the Frosting.
7. Frost with orange cream cheese icing.
Enjoy the soft and purple-hued delight!
💤 Overnight Instructions
Once you've rolled the dough into a log and cut it into individual rolls, arrange them in the baking pan as instructed. Instead of letting them rise for the second time immediately, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the covered pan in the refrigerator overnight to slow down the rising process.
In the morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator and let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow them to come to room temperature and continue rising. Preheat the oven as directed, and then bake the rolls until they turn golden brown on top.
By using this overnight method, you can wake up to freshly risen cinnamon rolls and easily enjoy a warm breakfast treat without the need for early morning preparations. Happy baking!
🔪How to best cut cinnamon rolls
To best cut the rolled dough into individual cinnamon rolls, follow these steps for a clean and tidy result.
- First, ensure that the dough has been rolled into a tight log, and the seam is securely sealed.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the log to mark where you will make the cuts, ensuring equal-sized rolls.
- Then, for cleaner slices, use a sawing motion with the knife, rather than pressing down. This will prevent the dough from getting flattened or losing its shape. Aim to cut the log into uniform pieces to ensure even baking and a consistent presentation.
If you prefer an even neater approach, you can also use unflavored dental floss or a string.
- To do this, slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull the floss to create perfect slices without squishing the dough.
Whichever method you choose, take your time and handle the dough with care to get the perfectly round cinnamon rolls.
🍴Serving suggestions
Here are some ideas on how to serve these delicious rolls:
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy the warm cinnamon rolls in the morning along side a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate. This would be perfect for Christmas Morning!
- Dessert: Serve the rolls as dessert. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a little extra.
- Brunch: Impress your guests by serving the rolls at a brunch. You could garnish them with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a nice presentation.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair the rolls with a selection of herbal teas or a coffee for a fun afternoon tea with friends.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: You can easily make more than one portion and bring this to your next potluck or any other celebration with a big crowd!
🥄Storage
To keep your Purple Potato Cinnamon Rolls fresh and enjoyable, proper storage is essential.
Once the rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out. Keep the container or bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you've frosted the rolls, it's best to store them in a single layer or separate layers, with parchment paper in between, to avoid the frosting from sticking together and store them in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven. Stored properly, these delightful treats will retain their flavor and texture, allowing you to savor the goodness of Purple Potato Cinnamon Rolls for days to come.
💭Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use regular white or yellow potatoes as an alternative. However, it will result in a different flavor and color for the filling.
Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before enjoying.
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
The rolls are done when they turn golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. Baking time usually takes around 30-35 minutes.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different frostings like vanilla glaze, maple cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar. My favorite alternative is a chai infused frosting.
Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the cinnamon filling and focus on the delightful purple potato filling for a unique flavor experience.
Yes, you can reheat the cinnamon rolls in the microwave or oven to enjoy them warm and fresh, especially if they have been stored or frozen.
The best way is in a warm, draft-free environment. You can place the covered bowl of dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or in a warm spot in your kitchen. Another option is to use a proofing setting if your oven has one.
If you want to use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast, the general conversion ratio is approximately 2.5 times more fresh yeast than dry yeast. For example, this recipe calls for 7 grams of dry yeast, so you can use around 17.5 grams of fresh yeast.
If your yeast does not foam, it may be due to several factors.
First, check the expiration date of the yeast to ensure it is fresh. Old or expired yeast may not be active.
Additionally, using water that is too hot or too cold can also hinder yeast activation. The ideal temperature for yeast activation is around 100-110°F (37-43°C). Ensure that your water is within this temperature range before mixing it with the yeast and sugar.
Lastly, if your yeast still doesn't foam, it could be a sign of inactive yeast. In such cases, it's best to start with a new batch of yeast to ensure successful rising of the dough.
If your dough does not rise, it could be due to various reasons.
First, check the expiration date of your yeast and make sure it's fresh and active. If the yeast is old or inactive, it won't cause the dough to rise.
Furthermore, placing the dough in a location that is too cold or drafty can slow down the rising process. Find a warm spot in your kitchen to allow the dough to rise properly.
Lastly, over-kneading the dough or using too much flour can result in a dense texture and prevent proper rising. Be gentle with the dough and use only enough flour to keep it from sticking to your hands and the surface.
More dessert recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Purple Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- large pot
- 4 quart cast iron pot (a baking pan works too, choose a size that fits all the rolls)
- small mixing bowl
- medium sized mixing bowl
Ingredients
Potato Filling
- 350 g Purple Potatoes
- 100 g Brown Sugar
- 3 tablespoon Butter unsalted
- 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Dough
- 100 ml Water warm
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 7 g Dry Yeast
- 600 g Flour
- 70 g Granulated Sugar
- 170 g Butter unsalted, room temperature
- 2 Eggs large
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 200 ml Milk warm
- 1 Sprinkle Salt
Brown Sugar Filling
- 8 tablespoon Butter unsalted, room temperature
- 150 g Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Frosting
- 75 g Butter
- 100 g Cream Cheese softened
- ½ Orange zest and 2 tablespoon juice
- 175 g Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Potato Filling
- start by filling a large pot with the potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 20 minutes). Drain the water and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Then mix in the butter and let cool.350 g Purple Potatoes, 3 tablespoon Butter
- Mix in the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set the filling aside to cool.100 g Brown Sugar, 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Dough
- While the potatoes cool you can start preparing the dough.In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine warm water with granulated sugar and dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.100 ml Water, 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar, 7 g Dry Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the well. Mix the ingredients together until they form a wet and sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, add more flour gradually until it becomes manageable. The dough will be less sticky once it rises.600 g Flour, 70 g Granulated Sugar, 170 g Butter, 2 Eggs, 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 200 ml Milk, 1 Sprinkle Salt
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for at least 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the cinnamon filling
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well incorporated.8 tablespoon Butter, 150 g Brown Sugar, 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Assemble and bake the rolls
- Line your cast iron pot with parchment paper or grease it with butter or cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 180 °C
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle with approximately 76 by 58cm / 30 by 23 inches dimensions.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, covering edge to edge. Then, spread the cooled purple potato filling on top of the cinnamon filling.
- Carefully roll the dough up the short side to form a long log. Use a sharp knife or floss to cut the log into 8-10 even pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in the pan and cover them with a damp cloth. Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes or until the gaps between them have closed.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Let them cool inside the pan until warm so they can be enjoyed
Frosting
- While the rolls cool, prepare the frosting.In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy and light in color. Add the cream cheese, orange zest & juice and the vanilla extract and keep mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until a fluffy and smooth frosting forms. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.75 g Butter, ½ Orange, 175 g Powdered Sugar, 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract, 100 g Cream Cheese
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously spread the frosting over the top. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- If the yeast doesn't foam during activation, check the expiration date and use fresh yeast. Ensure the water temperature is around 100-110°F (37-43°C) for proper activation.
- If the dough doesn't rise, verify that the yeast is fresh and active. Make sure the water temperature is correct during mixing. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for sufficient time until it doubles in size.
- If the rolls turn out too dense, be cautious not to over-knead the dough, and use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Additionally, ensure the yeast is fresh and active for proper rising.
- If the rolls brown too quickly while baking, tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- If the cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar until it thickens.
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Your Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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Lynne Kenton says
Made these for my son's birthday! He was thrilled with the purple color. I have never had a softer cinnamon roll. These will be on rotation in our house!