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The Ultimate Soft and Fluffy Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

A stack of freshly baked, glossy sweet potato rolls, one torn open to show the soft interior.

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Make these buttery, tender sweet potato rolls for your next holiday dinner or family meal. This recipe delivers an airy, fluffy texture using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sweet potato puree (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened, for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sweet potato puree. Bake or boil sweet potatoes until very soft. Scoop out the flesh and mash until completely smooth. Measure out 1 cup.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, foamy yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed with a dough hook or by hand until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. The dough will be soft.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  8. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll.
  9. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
  12. Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush the tops generously with the softened butter.
  13. Serve the soft sweet potato bread warm as a perfect side dish for holiday dinner.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, ensure your sweet potato puree is smooth; lumps can affect the final crumb.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the melted butter in the dough with brown butter.
  • These rolls freeze well after cooling. Thaw overnight and reheat briefly in the oven before serving.

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