Name: Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato, about 250–290g, peeled and chopped (to yield 1 cup mashed); 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C); 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard-size packet); 1/3 cup (113g) honey, divided; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 3/4 teaspoons salt; 5 1/2 cups (715g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted butter, for brushing; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’re searching for a delightful, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread that embraces the gentle warmth of autumn, you have to try this Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe. The magic of these rolls lies in their soft, tender crumb, delicately sweetened with honey, and enriched by the natural creaminess of mashed sweet potato. Each bite feels like a cozy hug, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or simply to brighten up an ordinary day. Once you make these rolls, I promise they won’t just be a recipe but a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two soft golden brown dinner rolls sit on a white plate with one roll split open showing a fluffy inside with a swirl of light brown cinnamon butter melting on top. A small torn piece of bread lies next to the rolls on the plate. To the right, a wooden-handled butter knife with some cinnamon butter on the blade rests on the plate edge. In the upper left corner, a white bowl filled with smooth, creamy cinnamon butter sprinkled with a little cinnamon is partially visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a folded pink cloth in the top right background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role to create that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. From the tender mashed sweet potato that adds natural sweetness and keeps the rolls moist, to the precise bread flour amount that gives them structure, every component counts in delivering those irresistibly soft rolls.

Sweet potato: Peeled and mashed, it adds natural sweetness, moisture, and an inviting orange hue.
Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast and provide richness to the dough.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: Ensures a reliable, steady rise with lovely dough elasticity.
Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener to enhance the flavor and aid in browning.
Eggs: Bring structure and tenderness to the dough, making the rolls soft yet resilient.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel throughout the bread.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
Bread flour: The foundation that gives these rolls their perfect chew and soft crumb.
Melted butter and flaky sea salt (optional): For brushing and sprinkling to add a savory, buttery finish.

How to Make Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potato, then boil it until it’s super soft and tender—this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain, mash it well (small lumps are okay), and measure exactly one cup for the dough. This sweet potato base is what makes these rolls uniquely soft and flavorful, so keep the quantity precise for best results.

Step 2: Proof the Yeast

Next, warm the milk to around 110°F and whisk in your yeast along with two tablespoons of honey. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes—this not only wakes up the yeast but also ensures your rolls get that beautiful rise. If you don’t have a stand mixer, no worries! You can do this in a big bowl and mix by hand—just grab a wooden spoon and embrace a little arm workout.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the remaining honey, eggs, softened butter, mashed sweet potato, salt, and one cup of bread flour to your yeast mixture. Mix on low to combine, scraping the bowl sides, then add the rest of the flour and beat at medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl. If the dough feels too wet, add flour slowly until it reaches that perfect slightly sticky but manageable consistency. This step sets the foundation for the soft, pillowy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Kneading is where the magic happens. Whether you use your mixer’s dough hook or your hands, knead for about five minutes until the dough feels soft, smooth, and elastic. If sticky, dust with a little flour, but keep it soft and slightly tacky. Test by poking the dough—if it slowly bounces back, you’re on the right track. For an experienced baker, the windowpane test is a great reminder that the gluten is developed enough to give you that signature chewy softness.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it so it’s coated all over, then cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial for those airy pockets and tender crumb you want in every bite.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release gas, then divide it into about 20 equal pieces. Shape each piece into smooth balls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Don’t worry about exact weight—just have fun shaping them into lovely rolls ready to rise again.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them puff up for 30 to 45 minutes until they become soft and airy again. This second rise adds the last bit of lift and tenderness before baking, so be patient—it’s worth it!

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls on a lower rack for 25 minutes or until they’re golden on top. If they brown too fast, tent them loosely with foil. Once out, brush generously with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a gorgeous finishing touch. Cooling the rolls for at least 15 minutes enhances their flavor and texture—resist the urge to slice them too soon!

How to Serve Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

A glass baking dish holds nine golden brown, soft dinner rolls arranged in three rows and three columns on a white marbled surface. The rolls have smooth tops with a shiny finish and a light sprinkling of coarse salt on some. One roll near the corner is partially pulled apart, revealing its fluffy, airy inside with a spread of light brown cinnamon butter melting into the soft dough. Next to the dish, a butter knife with a light wooden handle and gold blade rests on the surface, covered in swirls of the cinnamon butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These rolls are perfection with just a brush of butter and flaky sea salt, but you can also get creative. Try a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter touch or even a herb-infused melted butter glaze to make them savory and aromatic for dinner service.

Side Dishes

Soft Sweet Potato Rolls go beautifully alongside hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats. Think butternut squash soup, Thanksgiving turkey, or even a smoky BBQ brisket—their gentle sweetness complements rich mains spectacularly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by slicing the rolls into halves and turning them into mini sandwiches. Fill with honey butter and jam for breakfast, or layer with turkey and cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired bite. They also shine as sliders or dipped in warm, savory sauces at parties—versatility at its finest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Keep them out of direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain their moisture.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Simply freeze the completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy fresh-tasting rolls anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating makes them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the bread flour with all-purpose flour?

While bread flour is recommended for that classic chewy texture thanks to its higher protein content, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed. Just keep in mind the rolls might turn out a bit more tender and less elastic.

Why is it important to measure exactly one cup of mashed sweet potato?

Using the right amount of sweet potato keeps the dough balanced in moisture. Too much can make it overly wet and difficult to handle, while too little means missing out on that signature softness and flavor.

Do I really need to proof the yeast? Can’t I mix everything directly?

Proofing the yeast allows you to confirm it’s active and alive, which is crucial for a good rise. Skipping this step might risk dough not rising properly, leading to dense rolls.

What if my dough is too sticky after adding all the flour?

It’s normal for dough to be slightly sticky due to the sweet potato moisture. Gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough can be handled easily without being too dry. Remember, the dough should feel soft and just a bit tacky.

Can I use this recipe to make dinner rolls for a crowd?

Absolutely! This Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe scales well. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, and consider baking multiple pans at once to serve a larger group with freshly baked warmth.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting delight of these Soft Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe—it’s one of those special recipes that turns any meal into a celebration. With natural sweetness, plush texture, and a buttery finish, once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself making these rolls over and over. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake something truly wonderful!