Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Fluffy, swirly, purple dreams.

Hey friend,

Okay, this recipe? It’s a total showstopper.

These ube cinnamon rolls are like your classic cinnamon roll’s cooler cousin — soft, buttery dough with swirls of sweet cinnamon and vibrant purple ube halaya (ube jam), all topped with rich cream cheese icing.

They’re cozy, fun, and just a little bit fancy. I make these for brunch when I want something extra special, and they never last long.

this for later!

What You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for thinning, optional)

🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Warm milk + yeast = perfect rise. The warmth wakes up the yeast without killing it.
• Ube jam is naturally sweet and moist, giving both flavor and color without extra liquid.
• Bread flour structure (from all-purpose flour) creates that pillowy texture.
• Cream cheese fat = a smoother, richer icing that balances the sweetness.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe reminds me of Sunday mornings when I want to make something that’s a little extra. I first tried ube in a Filipino bakery and instantly fell in love with that nutty vanilla flavor and gorgeous purple color. So one day, I just thought, “What if we cinnamon-roll this?”

• They look amazing – seriously, purple swirls are irresistible.
• You get the warm, gooey cinnamon filling with a twist.
• That cream cheese frosting ties it all together.
• You’ll feel like a baking pro when these come out of the oven.

Makes: 12 rolls
Total Time: 2.5 hours (includes rising time)
Hands-on Time: 45 minutes

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast in Warm Milk

Instructions:
In a small bowl, stir together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Instructions:
In a stand mixer, add flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix with the dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Instructions:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Instructions:
In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Instructions:
Roll dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface.

Step 6: Add Filling & Ube

Instructions:
Spread cinnamon sugar mix evenly on dough, then dollop and swirl the ube jam across the surface.

Step 7: Roll & Cut

Instructions:
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 even pieces.

Step 8: Second Rise

Instructions:
Place rolls in a greased 9×13 dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Step 9: Bake

Instructions:
Bake rolls at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Step 10: Make the Icing

Instructions:
Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Add milk to thin if needed.

Step 11: Ice the Rolls

Instructions:
Spread icing over warm rolls and serve!

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk or hand mixer

💡 Pro Tips

1. Let the eggs and butter come to room temp for a better dough texture.
2. Use a ruler to cut even rolls — it helps them bake more uniformly.
3. Don’t over-bake — they’ll keep baking a little after they come out.
4. Warm the ube jam slightly to make it easier to spread.
5. Spread the icing while rolls are still warm so it melts into the swirls.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Swap ube halaya with sweetened mashed purple sweet potato.
• Use vegan butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Add toasted coconut to the filling for extra flavor.

⏱️ Make Ahead Tips

• You can refrigerate the unbaked rolls (after second rise) overnight. Let them come to room temp and rise slightly before baking.
• Freeze baked rolls and reheat gently to serve later.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.
• You can also freeze individual rolls for up to 2 months.

🍽 What to Serve With

• Hot coffee or chai latte
• Scrambled eggs or veggie frittata
• Fresh fruit or smoothie

💭 FAQ

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes! Just proof it first (as written) and expect a slightly longer rise time.

What if I don’t have ube jam?
You can use mashed, sweetened purple sweet potatoes or skip it entirely and make classic cinnamon rolls.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and icing — or freeze un-iced and add icing later.

Common Mistakes

• Using hot milk: It’ll kill the yeast. Keep it around 110°F.
• Adding too much flour: Measure carefully — too much = dry rolls.
• Under-mixing the dough: Knead until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye at the 20-minute mark.

🍽 Meal Plan Ideas

• Brunch: Pair with bacon, eggs, and fruit.
• Afternoon snack: Serve with milk or tea.
• Dessert: Pop one in the microwave and enjoy after dinner.

You’ve Got This!

These ube cinnamon rolls are just the right mix of comforting and exciting. Once you make them, you’ll be hooked on that sweet purple magic. Try them out and let me know how they turned out! Got questions or ran into a step that felt tricky? Drop a comment below — I’m here to help! 💜