Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Savor the unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls with the added sweetness and nutrients of sweet potatoes, topped with a creamy, rich frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (dairy or almond)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp plus ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ to 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 10 oz frozen sweet potatoes, heated and mashed
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅙ tsp ginger
• 4 tbsp brown sugar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit until frothy, signifying active yeast.
2. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting, then turn off.
3. In a mixer bowl, add 3 ½ cups of flour, melted butter, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla. Start mixing on a low setting.
4. Gradually pour in the milk mixture, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a floured surface for 6 minutes. Add more flour if necessary. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
6. Oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise near the warm oven for 1 hour.

For the Filling:

1. Mash the heated sweet potatoes and mix with ginger, nutmeg, and 4 tablespoons of brown sugar. Let cool.
2. Roll out the dough into a 16x14 inch rectangle after the rise.
3. Spread softened butter over the dough, top with the sweet potato mixture.
4. Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, and sprinkle over the sweet potatoes, patting it down.
5. Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 slices.
6. Place the slices in a 9x13 baking dish, spaced apart, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour a little heavy cream over each roll and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove and let them cool slightly for 5 minutes.

For the Frosting:

1. Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in melted butter and vanilla.
3. Spread over the warm rolls.

Serve these sweet potato cinnamon rolls warm, relishing the comforting spices, tender dough, and delightful sweetness of the potatoes, all brought together with a decadent frosting. Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day!