Ube Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Purple Rolls

Ube Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare to be transported to a world of vibrant purple swirls and irresistible sweetness! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll, but with a delightful twist – the subtle, earthy flavor of ube, also known as purple yam. This isn’t just your average breakfast treat; it’s a culinary adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more.

Ube, deeply rooted in Filipino culture, is more than just a food; it’s a symbol of celebration and togetherness. Its vibrant purple hue naturally adds a touch of magic to any dish. For generations, ube has been used in countless desserts, from halaya (ube jam) to ice cream, captivating taste buds with its unique flavor profile.

What makes these ube cinnamon rolls so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the soft, pillowy dough, the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy ube-infused glaze. The taste is a symphony of sweet and subtly earthy notes, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. The aroma alone, as they bake, is enough to fill your home with warmth and happiness. Get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
• ¼ cup (60ml) melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons ube extract
• For the Ube Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons ube powder
• 1 teaspoon ube extract
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: A few drops of purple food coloring for a more vibrant color

Preparing the Ube Cinnamon Roll Dough

Alright, let’s get started with the most important part – the dough! This is where the magic happens, and we’ll be creating a soft, pillowy base for our delicious ube cinnamon rolls. Don’t be intimidated; I’ll walk you through each step.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the yeast has a good environment to thrive in.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it gets foamy. This step is crucial because it tells us that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh packet.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter, eggs, and ube extract.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or by hand), mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If using a mixer, start on low speed and gradually increase to medium. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together.
5. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes in the mixer (or 8-10 minutes by hand) until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a nice, cohesive ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, or your rolls will be dry.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the yeast does its thing, creating those lovely air pockets that make our rolls so fluffy.

Making the Ube Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the ube filling. This is where we infuse that beautiful purple yam flavor into every bite. It’s super easy and will make your kitchen smell amazing!

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, ube powder, and ube extract.
2. Mix Well: Use a fork or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of butter or ube powder. The mixture should be easily spreadable.

Assembling and Baking the Ube Cinnamon Rolls

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where we transform our dough and filling into those beautiful, swirly ube cinnamon rolls. Get ready to roll!

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the ube filling over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible.
4. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss is great because it gives you a clean cut without squishing the rolls.
5. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
6. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting! This frosting is tangy, sweet, and the perfect complement to the ube flavor. Let’s whip it up!

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until it’s incorporated. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Optional: Add Food Coloring: If you want a more vibrant purple frosting, add a few drops of purple food coloring and mix well.

Frosting and Serving

The final step! This is where we transform our baked rolls into irresistible ube cinnamon roll masterpieces. Get ready to enjoy the fruits (or yams!) of your labor.

1. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ube cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them slightly in the microwave before serving for the best taste.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Ube Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. From the vibrant purple hue that instantly brightens your day to the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, every step of this recipe is a delight. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite. The soft, pillowy dough, infused with the subtly sweet and earthy flavor of ube, combined with the classic cinnamon swirl and the creamy, decadent frosting… it’s simply irresistible. I know, I know, baking can sometimes seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is worth every minute you invest in it. The result is a batch of cinnamon rolls that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even just a cozy night in. Imagine surprising your loved ones with these beautiful purple swirls – their faces will light up with joy! But don’t just take my word for it. You absolutely must-try this recipe for yourself! And the best part? There’s plenty of room for customization.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Go Nuts! Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts over the frosting for added texture and flavor. The nutty crunch complements the soft rolls perfectly. * Citrus Zest: Add a touch of orange or lemon zest to the dough or frosting for a bright, citrusy twist. It will cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing element. * Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. Ube and chocolate are a surprisingly delicious combination! * Ice Cream Dream: Serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The contrast between the warm rolls and the cold ice cream is heavenly. * Coffee Companion: Enjoy these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte. The warm, comforting flavors of the rolls pair perfectly with a hot beverage. * Cream Cheese Frosting Upgrade: While the recipe calls for a simple glaze, feel free to elevate it with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The slight tanginess will balance the sweetness of the ube and cinnamon. * Ube Extract Boost: For an even more intense ube flavor, add a teaspoon or two of ube extract to the dough or frosting. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering. * Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and the eggs with flax eggs for a delicious vegan version. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Ube Cinnamon Rolls for yourself. Once you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of ube-loving bakers! Don’t be shy – your tips and tricks could inspire someone else to try this recipe and discover their new favorite treat. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Remember to tag me in your photos so I can see your beautiful creations!

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