Soft, fluffy, and beautifully purple, these Ube Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Sweet ube halaya (purple yam jam) blends with brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttery dough to create a rich filling with a unique nutty-sweet flavor.
Finished with a simple vanilla icing, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or whenever you’re craving something special and homemade.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk, about 110°F (45°C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Ube-Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a small bowl and stir in the active dry yeast.
Let it stand for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs.
Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but should not be excessively sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, make the filling.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ube halaya. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down.
Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16 × 12 inches.
7. Add the Filling
Spread the ube-cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Roll Into a Log
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Try to keep the roll even so the finished cinnamon rolls are similar in size.
9. Cut the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
10. Second Rise
Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes.
They should look noticeably puffy before baking.
11. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.
12. Make the Icing
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
For a fun purple finish, add a few drops of purple food coloring and mix well.
13. Ice and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls, then serve while soft and fresh.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Use warm, not hot, milk: Milk that’s too hot can damage the yeast. Aim for around 110°F (45°C).
Use room-temperature eggs: Room-temperature ingredients help the dough come together more smoothly.
Don’t add too much flour: A slightly soft dough produces lighter, fluffier rolls.
Give the dough enough time to rise: Rising time can vary depending on room temperature, so look for the dough to double rather than relying only on the clock.
Keep the dough covered: A damp or lightly greased kitchen towel prevents the surface from drying while the dough rises.
Don’t overbake: Bake just until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through to keep them soft.
💜 Optional Variations
For extra ube flavor, add a thin layer of additional ube halaya over the filling before rolling.
You can also sprinkle chopped toasted coconut, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts over the filling for added texture.
For a richer topping, replace the simple icing with a cream cheese frosting flavored with a touch of vanilla or ube.
🧊 Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Warm individual rolls briefly before serving to bring back their soft, fluffy texture.
You can also freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for longer storage. Thaw and warm them before adding fresh icing.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: About 1½ hours
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Ube Cinnamon Rolls are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls with an irresistible ube twist. The soft, buttery dough surrounds a sweet purple yam and cinnamon filling, while the vanilla icing adds the perfect finishing touch.
They’re colorful, comforting, and wonderfully soft, making them a fun treat for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a cozy afternoon with coffee. 💜🍥