Soft, fluffy, and packed with vibrant purple yam flavor, these ube cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The ube adds a subtle nutty, vanilla-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the classic cinnamon filling.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple hue makes these cinnamon rolls as visually appealing as they are delicious.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of sweet ube dough, spiced cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a perfectly balanced treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Egg
Cinnamon Filling
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and butter until lukewarm. Combine with ube halaya, sugar, salt, yeast, and egg. Gradually mix in the flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter across the surface, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, and roll tightly into a log. Slice into even rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise until puffy.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 12 rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cream cheese.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for added texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine, known for its vibrant color and subtly sweet, nutty flavor.
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?
Yes, you can mash or puree cooked ube, but you may need to adjust the sweetness as ube halaya is sweetened.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
This may be due to expired yeast, cold liquid ingredients, or an environment that’s too cold for proper rising.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Freeze baked rolls before frosting them. Thaw, reheat, and frost when ready to serve.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and more efficient.
What if I don’t have ube halaya?
You can use ube extract or powder, adjusting the liquid in the dough accordingly.
How do I prevent my rolls from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper.
Can I make a thinner frosting?
Yes, add a splash of milk or cream to achieve a thinner consistency.
What pairs well with these rolls?
A cup of coffee, milk, or hot chocolate complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
These decadent ube cinnamon rolls are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Their unique flavor, paired with a creamy frosting, makes them a standout option for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the soft, sweet rolls fresh out of the oven or save them for a delightful breakfast treat the next day!
PrintDecadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a vibrant purple hue and a unique, sweet flavor from ube (purple yam). Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, ube extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ube halaya until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the ube filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until doubled.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ube extract and ube halaya can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
- For a more intense ube flavor, increase the amount of ube extract in the dough.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.