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Vibrant Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

A close-up of a single, fluffy ube cinnamon roll topped with white cream cheese icing, showing the vibrant purple ube swirl.
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Make soft, sweet rolls featuring a striking purple ube swirl and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a simple cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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  • For the Dough: 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Ube Filling: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until creamy. Set aside.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches and 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Spread the filling: Spread the softened butter mixture evenly over the dough surface. Dollop the ube halaya over the butter mixture and gently spread it to create a marbled or swirled effect, avoiding the edges.
  7. Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
  8. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
  10. Make the glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the glaze is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm ube cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for the softest texture.

Notes

  • For a more intense purple color in the swirl, you can mix 1 teaspoon of ube extract into the butter filling mixture.
  • If you prefer a tangier frosting, use slightly more cream cheese than butter in the glaze recipe.
  • To achieve soft rolls, avoid over-baking; check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/ube-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/