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DECADENT UBE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Sana Umer
These ube cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet ube flavour. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they make a stunning and delicious twist on the classic breakfast treat.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Filipino-Inspired
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup ube halaya purple yam jam
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup ube halaya

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk optional, to thin

Instructions
 

Activate Yeast:

  • In a large bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make the Dough:

  • Stir in melted butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and ube halaya. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.

First Rise:

  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours until doubled.

Prepare the Filling:

  • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine butter and ube halaya for easy spreading.

Roll and Fill:

  • Roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the ube-butter mixture over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mix.

Shape and Second Rise:

  • Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 even pieces and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Make the Frosting:

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well, thinning with milk if needed.

Frost and Serve:

  • Spread frosting over warm rolls and enjoy.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Rolls can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking in the morning.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Add shredded coconut or a sprinkle of ube extract for more intense flavour.
  • Serving Suggestions: Best served warm with coffee or milk as a breakfast or dessert.
  • Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Keyword cream cheese frosting, purple yam rolls, savoury sweet rolls, Ube cinnamon rolls, ube dessert, ube recipe