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Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These vibrant and fluffy ube cinnamon rolls are filled with a sweet, earthy ube flavor, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp milk (for consistency)

Instructions

Make the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough:
    • Add melted butter, eggs, ube halaya, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
  4. Let the Dough Rise:
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Assemble the Rolls:

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the filling.
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches) on a floured surface.
  3. Add the Filling:
    • Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge.
  4. Roll and Cut:
    • Starting from the long edge with filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 even pieces and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Second Rise:
    • Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Prepare the Frosting:
    • In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Frost and Serve:

  1. Frost the Rolls:
    • Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ube extract can be added to the dough (1-2 tsp) for a more vibrant purple color.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Swap the filling with ube halaya for an extra ube-flavored twist!