Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe – Fluffy Orange Dinner Rolls

Are you searching for the ultimate sweet potato rolls recipe that promises fluffy, flavorful, and unforgettable dinner rolls? Look no further! This sweet potato rolls recipe delivers incredibly soft, subtly sweet, and vibrant orange dinner rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving something warm and comforting from the oven, these rolls are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Get ready to bake some magic!

Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible sweet potato rolls:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F): Essential for activating the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet): The leavening power behind those perfect fluffy rolls.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• ½ cup mashed cooked sweet potato: The star ingredient! Provides natural sweetness, vibrant color, and incredible moisture. Ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature: Adds richness, helps bind the dough, and contributes to a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: For a rich flavor and soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the sweet potato and orange flavors.
• Zest of 1 large orange: Brightens the flavor profile with a delightful citrus note.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: The structural foundation of your rolls.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): For that irresistible golden shine and extra buttery flavor after baking.

How to Make Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

This sweet potato rolls recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering delicious and satisfying results every time. Its simplicity lies in straightforward steps, culminating in an unbelievably soft crumb and a delicate orange-infused sweetness. The standout feature is undoubtedly the vibrant color and the unique combination of sweet potato and orange zest, elevating a classic dinner roll to something truly special. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these rolls come together, with a total preparation time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including rising time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the mashed sweet potato, the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract (if using), and orange zest. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the salt and 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed. Once the dough starts to come together, add more flour, a little at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make your rolls tough.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Alternatively, if using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size. Shape each piece into a smooth, round roll.
7. Second Rise: Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy.
8. Preheat Oven & Bake: While the rolls are rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil.
10. Butter Wash & Serve: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops of the hot rolls with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This adds shine and a rich, buttery finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this sweet potato rolls recipe because it masterfully combines the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes with a subtle hint of orange, creating a roll that’s both uniquely delicious and incredibly comforting. The main highlight is undeniably their unparalleled fluffiness – they practically melt in your mouth!

Making these delightful rolls at home also offers fantastic cost savings compared to store-bought options or bakery treats, allowing you to enjoy gourmet-quality bread without the hefty price tag. The generous orange zest woven throughout adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the earthy sweet potato, making each bite an aromatic delight. If you enjoy the tender crumb of our classic whole wheat dinner rolls, you’ll adore the added complexity and moisture in these sweet potato rolls. Don’t just take our word for it—whip up a batch today and experience the magic for yourself!

What to Serve Sweet Potato Rolls With

These versatile sweet potato rolls are a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Their subtle sweetness and fluffy texture make them perfect partners for:

• Hearty Roasts: Complement a succulent roasted chicken, turkey, or pork loin.
• Soups and Stews: A warm roll is ideal for soaking up the last bits of a cozy butternut squash soup or a rich beef stew.
• Holiday Feasts: A classic alongside Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas ham.
• Casual BBQ: Serve them with pulled pork or grilled chicken for a comforting touch.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Toast them lightly and smear with jam, honey butter, or cream cheese for a sweet start to your day.
• Sandwiches: Use them as soft, flavorful buns for sliders or small sandwiches.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

1. Don’t Over-Flour: The biggest mistake with yeast doughs is adding too much flour. Keep the dough slightly sticky – it will produce much softer, moister rolls. You should only use enough flour to handle the dough without it completely sticking to your hands.
2. Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Always check that your warm milk is within the 105-115°F range. Too hot, and it kills the yeast; too cool, and it won’t activate. If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes, your yeast might be old, or your milk temperature was off. Start again with fresh yeast.
3. Mashed Sweet Potato Consistency: Make sure your mashed sweet potato is very smooth, with no lumps. You can steam or boil the sweet potato until very tender, then mash with a fork, potato masher, or even a food processor for ultra-smooth results.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and sweet potato are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the dough and promotes a more consistent rise.
5. Warm Place for Rising: A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for yeast dough to rise properly. Options include a slightly warmed (but turned off!) oven, near a sunny window, or on top of a warm appliance.
6. Patience is Key: Don’t rush the rising times. Allow the dough to fully double in size for both rises. This is what gives the rolls their light and airy texture.
7. Even Sizing: For uniform baking and appearance, try to divide your dough pieces as evenly as possible. A kitchen scale can be helpful here.
8. Brush with Butter (Twice!): Brushing with melted butter immediately after baking adds a beautiful sheen, extra flavor, and keeps the crust soft. You can also brush them lightly before baking for a more golden crust.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These sweet potato rolls recipe rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but they store well too!

• Countertop Storage: Once completely cooled, store the rolls in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, if you want to extend their freshness slightly, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. They may become slightly drier in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating:
  • From Room Temperature: For warm, soft rolls, wrap them in aluminum foil and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 15-30 seconds per roll.
  • From Frozen: You can reheat frozen rolls directly in the oven. Wrap them loosely in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. For individual rolls, microwave for 30-60 seconds, checking for warmth.

Final Thoughts

This sweet potato rolls recipe offers a delightful twist on classic dinner rolls, bringing a touch of warmth, sweetness, and vibrant color to any meal. The combination of fluffy texture, natural sweet potato flavor, and zesty orange notes makes them an instant favorite. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a comforting experience.

try also : 

• Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
• Matcha Cake Recipe
• find more in Pinterest

Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe FAQs:

Q1: Can I make these sweet potato rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then punch it down, shape the rolls, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). The next day, let them come to room temperature for about an hour before their second rise, then bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked rolls as described in the “Storing and Reheating Tips.”

Q2: What kind of sweet potato should I use?
A2: Any variety of sweet potato will work, but orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel will give you the best color and natural sweetness.

Q3: Can I substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?
A3: Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can typically mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing. Use the same amount (2 ¼ teaspoons).

Q4: My dough isn’t rising. What went wrong?
A4: The most common causes are inactive yeast (check the expiration date), water that was too hot or too cold, or a too-cold environment for rising. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk temperature is precise (105-115°F).

Q5: Can I make these rolls dairy-free or egg-free?
A5: To make them dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk alternative (like almond or soy milk) and a plant-based butter substitute. For egg-free, you can try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins) or simply omit the egg, though the texture might be slightly different. Keep in mind substitutions can alter the final texture and taste.

Q6: Can I add other spices?
A6: Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice would complement the sweet potato beautifully, especially if serving them for a holiday meal. Add them with the dry ingredients.

Q7: How do I get my sweet potato mashed smoothly?
A7: Boil, steam, or roast your sweet potato until it’s very tender. For the smoothest mash, you can pass it through a ricer, use a potato masher, or even blend it quickly in a food processor until entirely lump-free.