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Rich Purple Rolls

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

These fluffy rolls bring together ube's delicate sweetness and the warm flavors of cinnamon. The purple dough gets its vibrant color from ube extract, while rich frosting has a touch of extra ube thanks to Trader Joe's spread.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 10:13:53 GMT
Three fluffy, purple cinnamon rolls with white icing, one partially sliced to show its bright purple inside. Save
Three fluffy, purple cinnamon rolls with white icing, one partially sliced to show its bright purple inside. | recipesbyhannah.com

The moment I first whipped up these purple Ube delight rolls in my home, something magical happened. Being raised with both Filipino and American influences, I wanted to mix these cultures in my baking. That stunning violet color from ube not only makes these rolls look fantastic but adds this special sweetness that works amazingly with my tangy cream cheese topping. Whenever I bake a batch, they vanish quickly and friends always beg me for my secret. Believe me, these aren't your typical sweet rolls!

Wonderful Ube Discovery

Haven't tried ube before? You're missing out! This violet yam is a staple in Filipino dishes, and you'll quickly see why once you experience its nutty sweetness. I adore how it changes familiar treats into something fresh and different. Now you can grab ube at many Asian markets or websites, making it super easy to try new recipes with it.

What You'll Need

  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms your foundation - and yes, gluten free substitutes work too if needed.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to your dough.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The key to getting that airy, soft texture.
  • Warm Milk: Any type works fine, including non-dairy options.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
  • Egg: Just one large egg helps everything stick together.
  • Ube Extract: The hero ingredient for that flavor and purple look.
  • Salt: A tiny bit enhances all other flavors.
  • Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: For that traditional filling we all love.
  • Cream Cheese: The base for our heavenly topping.
  • Trader Joe's Ube Spread: My hidden trick for boosting that ube flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates that perfectly smooth frosting.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Kicking Off Your Dough
Combine your warm milk, sugar and yeast in a bowl and wait for bubbles. Add your flour, butter, egg, ube extract and salt, mixing until you get a soft ball. Work it until smooth, then let it sit somewhere cozy for 60 minutes.
Preparing Your Filling
During the rising time, blend your soft butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until completely combined.
Shaping Your Rolls
Flatten your gorgeous purple dough into a rectangle. Smear that yummy filling across it, then roll everything up tightly. Cut into individual rolls and place them in your pan.
Time For More Rising
Allow your rolls to puff up again for around 30-45 minutes.
Into The Oven
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until they look just right. Cool them slightly.
Finishing Touch
Mix your cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and ube spread until fluffy, then slather it over your warm treats.

Tasty Combinations

These rolls taste amazing with a bold cup of coffee. The coffee's strong flavor really balances the sweetness. They're ideal for lazy weekend breakfasts or that afternoon snack break we call merienda in Filipino homes.

Storage Tips

Store any extras in a sealed container in your fridge and they'll stay good for around 3 days. Just warm them up quickly in the microwave to bring back that freshly baked feel. Don't be afraid to switch things up a bit - sweet potato or pumpkin makes a great alternative when the seasons change.

A plate of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a purple filling and creamy icing on top. Save
A plate of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a purple filling and creamy icing on top. | recipesbyhannah.com

Irresistible Violet Treats

These rolls are truly one-of-a-kind, merging traditional Filipino tastes with classic sweet rolls. The eye-catching purple never fails to impress guests, and the flavor is something you won't forget. After baking with ube just once, you'll wonder what took you so long to try it.

Recipe FAQs

→ What's ube, and why add it here?

Ube is a purple yam with a light, nutty sweetness and vanilla-like taste. It also gives these rolls their standout color and flavor.

→ Don't have Trader Joe's ube spread?

No problem! Swap it with standard ube paste or powder from Asian grocery stores, or simply leave it out.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally! Once the rolls are shaped, cover them and refrigerate overnight. Let them warm up and rise before you bake.

→ Why didn't my dough rise?

Check your yeast—it should be active and fresh. Also, make sure your milk is warm enough to trigger the yeast, but not so hot that it kills it.

→ Can these go in the freezer?

Absolutely. Freeze them after shaping but before their second rise. Later, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then let them rise and bake as usual.

Purple Sweet Rolls

Light and pillowy rolls with ube's bright twist. They're finished with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a special treat any time.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Total Time
70 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup milk, warmed up.
02 4 cups plain flour.
03 1 teaspoon ube flavoring.
04 1/4 cup butter, softened up.
05 1/2 cup melted butter.
06 1 large egg at room temperature.
07 1/4 teaspoon salt.
08 1/2 cup sugar (white).
09 2 tablespoons cinnamon spice.
10 1 1/2 cups tightly packed brown sugar.
11 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (dry).
12 4 ounces softened cream cheese.
13 1/2 cup room temperature butter.
14 3 tablespoons ube spread (from Trader Joe's).
15 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.

Directions

Step 01

Stir the dough ingredients until the mixture is smooth.

Step 02

Work the dough with your hands for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 03

Set aside for 1 hour to let it puff up to double the size.

Step 04

Combine the ingredients for the filling in a bowl.

Step 05

Flatten the dough into a rectangular shape.

Step 06

Spread a mix of butter and the cinnamon-sugar combo over it.

Step 07

Roll it up and slice into pieces about 1.5 inches wide.

Step 08

Arrange the pieces in a 9x13-inch dish.

Step 09

Let them sit for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.

Step 10

Bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 11

Whisk frosting ingredients until you get a smooth mix.

Step 12

Spread it over the rolls while they are still fresh from the oven.

Notes

  1. These fluffy rolls have a purple hue from ube and a hint of nuttiness.
  2. Great choice for brunch or a fancy breakfast treat.

Required Equipment

  • Mixer with a dough kneading attachment.
  • Baking dish, 9x13 inches.
  • Rolling pin for flattening the dough.
  • Knife with serrated edges.
  • Spatula with an angled edge.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy like butter, cream cheese, and milk.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 78 g
  • Proteins: 7 g