Step into a world where purple reigns and cinnamon whispers sweet nothings in your ear. We’re packing our bags (and our taste buds) for an epic adventure with Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls—where the creamy embrace of ube meets the warm hug of freshly baked dough. Ready to explore this delightful fusion of flavors? Let’s embark on this culinary escapade!
Why make this recipe?
Oh, darling, why not? These fluffy treasures are not just a feast for your taste buds, but a showstopper at any brunch table or coffee gathering. Imagine the fragrant, cinnamon-kissed heavens swirling around you as you pull these rolls from the oven, their violet hue drawing gasps of delight from your friends. Ube—this charming purple yam from the Philippines—transforms the familiar cinnamon roll into an exquisite piece of edible art. They’re as playful as they are comforting, with a unique cultural twist that’s bound to take your taste buds on a lazy Sunday morning adventure.
How to make Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (120 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ube extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cup ube halaya/jam
- ½ cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons Saigon cinnamon powder
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for pouring over the risen rolls)
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Let’s kick this party off with the yeast! In a bowl, frolic together warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Remember, we want warm sunshine, not a boiling cauldron—so keep that milk around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. After about five minutes, you should see bubbles dancing in the mixture like they’ve just heard your favorite song.
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Add the ube extract into this bubbling wonderland. If it’s not as purple as your soulmate’s eyes, add a smidge more of the extract. Different brands might give you a surprise dye level!
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In a separate bowl, we’re mixing it up! Combine that yeast concoction with eggs, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour. It’s a party in there! Knead the dough until it’s as soft and elastic as your dance moves on a Saturday night—about 10 minutes of love. If you’re going old-school with your hands, well, consider it a workout too!
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Cover your creation and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. It’s like watching something magical blossom while you daydream about your next adventure.
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Once it’s puffed up like a good pastry should, roll it out into a 20×10 rectangle. Spread that delightful ube halaya all over, and sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mix atop it like fairy dust.
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Roll that dough up into a log as if you’re wrapping a high-stakes gift that you can’t wait to reveal. Slice it into pieces using dental floss—believe me, it’s the trick to cleanly cut through without any chaos.
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Nestle the rolls into a baking pan, giving them about 30 minutes to an hour to rise again. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325 degrees and prepare for the magic that’s about to happen.
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Pour that warm, gentle heavy cream over the rolls—like they’re being drizzled with liquid gold pre-bake.
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Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until your rolls hit an internal temperature of 180-190 degrees. Keep your eyes peeled for that gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
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Whip up a luscious frosting by blending softened cream cheese and butter until they’re one happy family. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then mix until fully incorporated and fluffy like clouds. Spread this heavenly frosting over your warm rolls, and it’s time to dig in!
How to serve Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these beauties warm, straight from the oven, with a sprig of mint to garnish or a drizzle of extra ube halaya for that extra glam. Pair them with steaming cups of coffee or a vibrant herbal tea to elevate the experience to an all-out global brunch affair. Bragging rights for the most Instagrammable roll, guaranteed.
How to store Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any rolls left (and that’s a big if), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also pop them in the fridge to enjoy them for about a week. For long-term love, freeze them for up to three months. Just warm them up in the oven when you need a taste of paradise!
Tips to make Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
- If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts for some crunch in the filling.
- Keep an eye on that yeast! Make sure your milk isn’t too hot, or our little friends will throw a tantrum.
- Experiment with different ube products to find your signature flavor.
Variations
Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a chocolate swirl to your ube rolls! Melt chocolate and drizzle it over your ube jam before rolling up. Or go daring and incorporate tropical flavors like pineapple for a Pinoy twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use metered measurements?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure you have the right balance of flavors—the essence of world travel lives in the details!
Q: What if I can’t find ube extract?
A: If you’re in a pinch, a hint of purple food coloring mixed with vanilla could suffice, although it might bend the rules of authenticity a bit. Life’s too short for boring flavors!
Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Sure! Prepare them up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Get ready to grab compliments like candy when you pop them in the oven!
Now, roll out your adventure and bring the flavor of the Philippines into your kitchen with these Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls—where each bite tells a story!

Easy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add ube extract to the yeast mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yeast mixture with eggs, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it into a 20×10 rectangle.
- Spread ube halaya over the dough, and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mix on top.
- Roll the dough into a log and slice it into pieces using dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a baking pan and let them rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 180-190 degrees.
- Blend softened cream cheese and butter until combined.
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.