Sprouted Kitchen’s latest ebook, Sprouted Kitchen Holidays, features a collection of seasonal recipes, including these decadent sweet potato cinnamon rolls. The ebook offers 25 festive recipes, adaptable for any celebration, and is available with a gift option for virtual sharing.
These cinnamon rolls, a cherished family tradition, stand out for their tender texture achieved through the addition of baked sweet potato. The recipe is designed for convenience: the dough can be prepared the night before, allowing for a fresh-baked breakfast with minimal morning effort. Freezing is also an option: prepare ahead, thaw overnight, and bake for a stress-free holiday morning.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to these rolls lies in the balance of sweetness and spice. The dough incorporates milk, yeast, eggs, butter, sweet potato, salt, sugar, and flour. The dough requires a patient rise – at least one to two hours, longer in cooler environments. While the dough rises, the brown sugar-cinnamon-butter filling is prepared, then spread over the rolled-out dough before rolling and cutting into individual rolls.
Baking and Freezing Instructions
- Warm Milk & Yeast: Combine warm milk (slightly above body temperature) with yeast and let dissolve.
- Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine milk mixture, eggs, butter, sweet potato flesh, salt, and sugar. Incorporate flour gradually, reserving some for rolling.
- Knead: Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let rise until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a thick paste.
- Roll & Cut: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling, sprinkle nuts (optional), roll into a log, and cut into 3-inch rolls.
- Rise Again: Let rolls rise for another hour before baking.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
For freezing, cover cut rolls in parchment paper and freeze; thaw overnight before baking.
Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip up a simple frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Spread generously over warm rolls for a decadent finish.
These cinnamon rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a comforting tradition, perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. The ease of preparation—especially the overnight or freezer-friendly options—makes them ideal for busy holiday seasons.
