Ube Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet Purple Swirls of Delight!

Ube Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, but with an unexpected, dazzling splash of vibrant purple. I’ve always been captivated by the unique charm of ube (purple yam), a beloved root vegetable deeply rooted in Filipino culinary traditions. Traditionally used in a myriad of sweet treats, ube lends a subtly sweet, slightly nutty, and almost vanilla-like flavor that is truly distinctive. This striking ingredient not only elevates the taste profile but also bestows a mesmerizing, natural violet hue that turns a classic dessert into an unforgettable visual and gastronomic delight.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Ube Cinnamon Rolls

People adore these rolls for so many reasons. The irresistible combination of a pillowy, soft dough, the warm, spiced cinnamon sugar swirl, and the unique, earthy sweetness of ube creates a truly harmonious experience. Add to that a luscious, creamy glaze that melts into every crevice, and you have a treat that is both familiar in its comfort and excitingly exotic in its flavor. I can tell you, there’s nothing quite like pulling apart one of these warm, gooey Ube Cinnamon Rolls, making them perfect for a special breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a comforting dessert. Prepare to embark on a baking adventure that promises incredible flavor and stunning presentation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Ube Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one standard packet)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus a pinch for yeast
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (120g) ube halaya (purple yam jam), store-bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 to 4 ½ cups (480-540g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• For the Ube Glaze:

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons ube halaya
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (whole milk works best for richness)
• 2-3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Instructions:

Phase 1: Preparing the Ube Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, gently pour in the warm milk. Ensure the milk is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast, or too cold, which will prevent it from activating properly. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk, along with a pinch of the granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and then let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is alive and well when it becomes foamy and frothy on the surface, resembling a creamy head on a beer. This step is crucial for light and airy Ube Cinnamon Rolls. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired, or your milk might have been the wrong temperature, and you’ll need to start again.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is active, add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, the room temperature egg, melted and slightly cooled butter, ube halaya, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. The ube halaya will lend a beautiful natural purple hue and a subtle, distinct ube flavor that will infuse every bite of these delightful Ube Cinnamon Rolls.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the salt and 4 cups of the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. With the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. If mixing by hand, use a sturdy spoon or spatula.
4. Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 10-15 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Resist the urge to add too much flour, as this can make your Ube Cinnamon Rolls dry and tough. The dough should still be soft and pliable.
5. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Lightly grease a large clean bowl with a neutral oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the kneaded ube dough to the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off, with just the pilot light on if you have one, or briefly warmed and then turned off) is an excellent place for proofing. This rise allows the flavors to develop and the dough to become airy, setting the stage for perfectly fluffy Ube Cinnamon Rolls.

Phase 2: Crafting the Cinnamon Filling

1. Prepare the Filling Mixture: While your ube dough is on its first rise, prepare the irresistible cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or a spoon to mix these ingredients together thoroughly until they form a thick, uniform paste. The butter needs to be genuinely soft, not melted, to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency. This generous amount of cinnamon and brown sugar creates the signature gooey center of the best Ube Cinnamon Rolls. Make sure there are no lumps of butter or sugar. Set this delicious filling aside at room temperature; it will be easier to spread later.

Phase 3: Rolling and Cutting the Ube Cinnamon Rolls

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the ube dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it a few times just to bring it together.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12 inches by 18 inches (30cm x 45cm) and about ¼ inch (0.6cm) thick. Try to maintain an even thickness across the entire rectangle to ensure uniform rolls. The vibrant purple hue of the ube dough at this stage is truly captivating, promising visually stunning Ube Cinnamon Rolls.
3. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch (1.2cm) border on one of the longer sides. This border will help seal the roll. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the filling is spread right to the edges, except for that small border. Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s what makes these Ube Cinnamon Rolls so decadent!
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the longer side opposite the ½-inch border, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. The tighter you roll, the more spirals your Ube Cinnamon Rolls will have, and the less likely they are to unravel during baking. Apply even pressure as you roll, ensuring the log is uniform in thickness.
5. Seal the Seam: Once you’ve rolled the dough completely, gently pinch the seam closed along the length of the log to prevent it from opening up during proofing and baking.
6. Cut the Rolls: Now comes the fun part! You can use a sharp, un-serrated knife or, for cleaner cuts, a piece of unflavored dental floss or strong thread.
   • Using a Knife: Slice off the uneven ends of the log (about ½ inch from each side) to create neat, straight edges. Then, cut the log into 12 equally sized rolls, each approximately 1 ½ inches (3.8cm) thick.
   • Using Floss/Thread: Slide a long piece of dental floss underneath the log. Cross the ends of the floss over the top of the log and pull them tightly to slice through the dough. This method creates incredibly clean cuts without squishing the layers. Repeat to make 12 rolls.

   Careful, precise cutting ensures your Ube Cinnamon Rolls bake evenly and look beautiful.

7. Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Arrange the cut Ube Cinnamon Rolls snugly in the prepared dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion. They will puff up and touch each other during the second rise and baking, creating a soft, pull-apart texture.

Phase 4: The Proofing and Baking Process

1. Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it back in that warm, draft-free spot for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have visibly puffed up and are touching each other. They won’t double in size quite as dramatically as the first rise, but they should look noticeably larger and softer. This second proof is essential for the rolls to achieve their signature fluffy texture. Patience here will be rewarded with incredibly soft and tender Ube Cinnamon Rolls.
2. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are proofing for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake the Ube Cinnamon Rolls: Once the rolls have proofed, remove the cover and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You might notice some of the cinnamon-butter filling bubbling up at the sides, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the delicious gooeyness. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
4. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the Ube Cinnamon Rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the rolls to set slightly and makes them easier to handle, while still being warm enough for the glaze to melt into every crevice.

Phase 5: Whisking Together the Ube Glaze and Finishing Touches

1. Prepare the Ube Glaze: While the Ube Cinnamon Rolls are cooling, prepare the luscious ube glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and ube halaya. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until they are smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese or butter remaining. The ube halaya will give the glaze a lovely lavender hue and a subtle, earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the rolls.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium until smooth. Begin with 2 cups of powdered sugar and adjust if needed. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker, more spreadable glaze, use less milk; for a thinner, pourable glaze, use a little more. A pinch of salt is optional but can help to cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor. Beat until the glaze is light and fluffy. This vibrant Ube Glaze is the crowning glory of our Ube Cinnamon Rolls!
3. Glaze the Rolls: As soon as the rolls have cooled slightly (they should still be warm), generously spread or pour the ube glaze over them. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt slightly, seeping into the swirls and creating an incredibly moist and flavorful treat. Don’t be shy with the glaze; it’s a key component of the indulgent experience.
4. Serve and Enjoy: These beautiful Ube Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, with the glaze still a little gooey. Grab one (or two!) and pull them apart to reveal those delightful, soft, purple spirals. They make a fantastic breakfast, brunch item, or a comforting dessert. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheated gently in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked experience. Enjoy the unique and delicious flavor of these homemade Ube Cinnamon Rolls!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary adventure, and I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am to get your hands messy with some dough and a generous swirl of ube deliciousness. This recipe isn’t just about baking a treat; it’s about creating an experience, a moment of pure joy that starts the moment that captivating purple dough begins to rise and culminates in the first heavenly bite.

Why are these a must-try, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just the striking, vibrant purple hue that makes these cinnamon rolls an absolute showstopper – though that certainly doesn’t hurt! What truly sets them apart is the incredible depth of flavor. The earthy, subtly sweet, almost vanilla-like notes of ube are perfectly balanced by the warmth of the cinnamon and the richness of the sweet filling. Then there’s the texture: incredibly soft, fluffy, and tender, each roll practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in that irresistible glaze. They’re a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering something familiar yet wonderfully new and exciting. I promise you, these aren’t just any ordinary cinnamon rolls; these are the kind of treats that spark conversations, elicit wide smiles, and disappear from the plate far too quickly. They’re perfect for elevating a weekend brunch, impressing guests at a potluck, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to an extraordinary homemade delight. Every single element, from the pillowy dough to the luscious ube flavor, comes together in perfect harmony, making them an undeniable triumph of home baking.

Elevate Your Ube Cinnamon Rolls Experience with These Suggestions!

Once your beautiful Ube Cinnamon Rolls emerge from the oven, glistening with their sweet topping, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless! For the ultimate breakfast or brunch indulgence, I love serving them warm, straight from the pan, alongside a strong cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot chocolate. The steam rising from their tender insides, coupled with the aroma of cinnamon and ube, is pure bliss. They also make an incredible dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting gently on top for an extra layer of decadence. Imagine serving these at your next holiday gathering; they’re guaranteed to be the star of the show!

Creative Variations to Spark Your Culinary Imagination:

But why stop there? Let’s talk variations! If you want to switch up the glaze, consider adding a touch of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy counterpoint, or perhaps a hint of coconut extract for an even more tropical vibe. For a richer, more indulgent finish, a cream cheese frosting, either plain or infused with a tiny bit more ube extract for an even stronger flavor, would be absolutely divine. For those who love a bit of crunch, you could sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut or finely chopped pecans into the filling alongside the cinnamon, or even on top of the glaze. Feeling extra adventurous? Try incorporating a swirl of ube halaya (jam) directly into the filling for an even more intense ube flavor bomb. For a slightly different presentation, you could even form them into individual mini rolls, perfect for bite-sized treats, or arrange them in a pull-apart bread fashion for a fun, shareable centerpiece. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own!

Now, I’ve shared all my tips and tricks, and the rest is up to you. I genuinely hope you feel confident and excited to give this recipe a whirl. There’s something so incredibly rewarding about the process of baking, especially when the end result is as magnificent as these. Don’t be intimidated; the joy of creating something so delicious with your own hands is truly unparalleled. Imagine the look on your family’s faces, or the delighted surprise of your friends, when they taste these unique and irresistible treats. It’s a moment of connection, of sharing love through food.

So please, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on this delicious journey. I am absolutely buzzing with anticipation to hear about your baking adventures! Once you’ve pulled your stunning Ube Cinnamon Rolls from the oven, captured that perfect shot, and, most importantly, savored every single bite, I’d be over the moon if you’d share your experience. Drop a comment below, tell me what you loved, what variations you tried, or even any fun mishaps along the way – because that’s all part of the baking charm, isn’t it? Or better yet, share your gorgeous creations on social media! I can’t wait to see your masterpieces and celebrate your success. Happy baking, my dear food enthusiasts!

Ube Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with an unexpected, dazzling splash of vibrant purple. Ube, a beloved Filipino root vegetable, lends a subtly sweet, slightly nutty, vanilla-like flavor and a mesmerizing violet hue. These rolls combine a pillowy, soft dough, warm spiced cinnamon sugar, and a luscious, creamy ube glaze for an unforgettable visual and gastronomic delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Prep Time
1 Hours

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
4 Hours

Servings
12 rolls

Ingredients

• For the Ube Dough:
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus a pinch
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
• ½ cup (120g) ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 to 4 ½ cups (480-540g) all-purpose flour
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Ube Glaze:
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons ube halaya
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 2-3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; let foam 5-10 min. Add remaining ¼ cup sugar, egg, melted butter, ube halaya, and vanilla. Whisk. Add salt and 4 cups flour; mix until shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 min (mixer) or 10-15 min (hand) until smooth and elastic, adding up to ½ cup more flour if too sticky. Avoid excess flour.
2. Step 2
   Lightly grease a bowl, transfer dough, turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Step 3
   While dough rises, combine softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until a thick, uniform paste forms. Set aside.
4. Step 4
   Gently punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18 inch (30x45cm) rectangle, about ¼ inch (0.6cm) thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling, leaving a ½-inch (1.2cm) border on one of the longer sides.
5. Step 5
   Starting from the longer side opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Slice the log into 12 equally sized rolls, each approximately 1 ½ inches (3.8cm) thick, using a sharp knife or dental floss.
6. Step 6
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Arrange the cut rolls snugly. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffed and touching.
7. Step 7
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove cover and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8
   While rolls cool, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and ube halaya in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar (start with 2 cups) and milk (1-2 tablespoons) until desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Beat until light and fluffy.
9. Step 9
   Generously spread or pour the ube glaze over the warm, slightly cooled rolls. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating gently.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.