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Fluffy Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Close-up of three freshly baked, glossy sweet potato rolls with a rich orange hue on a white plate.

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Make these tender, golden sweet potato rolls. They use yeast for a classic fluffy texture, perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish or for any family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and salt. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour only if the dough sticks excessively.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch the dough down gently. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  7. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a small space between them for spreading.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with the wash.
  11. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  12. Remove the rolls from the oven. Brush the tops immediately with a little extra melted butter for shine and flavor. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and color, use sweet potatoes that have been baked or roasted until very soft. Avoid boiling them, as this adds too much water.
  • If you want rolls that are slightly sweeter, increase the sugar in the dough to 1/3 cup.
  • These rolls freeze well after baking. Cool them completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

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