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Best Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Easy Recipe

Best Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Easy Recipe

Fluffy, colorful, and Instagram-worthy cinnamon rolls.
Ube adds natural sweetness, nutrients, and a gorgeous purple hue.
Easy step-by-step homemade recipe with simple substitutions.
Perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekend baking.
Make-ahead friendly enjoy fresh without the stress.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 12 Roll
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough
  • 4 cups 480 g all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp / 7 g active dry yeast
  • 1 cup 240 ml warm milk (or almond milk), about 43°C / 110°F
  • ⅓ cup 65 g granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For the Ube Filling
  • 1 cup 240 g ube halaya (purple yam jam, store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup 100 g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp 30 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • Optional: ½ tsp nutmeg for extra warmth
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz 113 g cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk for consistency
  • Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup 70 g chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup 40 g raisins or dried cranberries

Method
 

  1. Preparing the Dough
  2. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk (43°C / 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. (Visual cue: bubbly foam on top.)
  3. Mix wet ingredients: Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add flour and salt: Gradually incorporate flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until soft, elastic, and slightly tacky (or use a stand mixer on medium speed with a dough hook).
  6. First Rise
  7. Proof the dough: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm place until doubled in size.
  8. Shaping the Rolls
  9. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle (about 16 x 12 in / 40 x 30 cm).
  10. Spread the filling: Evenly spread softened butter, followed by ube halaya, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle nuts or raisins if using.
  11. Roll and cut: Starting from the long side, tightly roll into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (cleaner cuts).
  12. Second Rise
  13. Arrange and proof: Place rolls into a greased 9x13 in (23x33 cm) baking dish, leaving slight gaps. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  14. Baking
  15. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on edges and center springs back when lightly pressed.
  16. Frosting
  17. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy and spreadable.
  18. Frost warm rolls: Spread frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls.
  19. Serving & Storing
  20. Serve: Enjoy fresh with coffee, tea, or cold milk. Garnish with extra cinnamon or ube drizzle for a festive look.
  21. Make-ahead option: Assemble rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning after allowing them to come to room temperature.

Notes

Variations

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cardamom or chili flakes for warmth.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan: Swap butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.

Substitutions

  • Olive oil or avocado oil can replace melted butter in the dough.
  • Dairy-free milk (soy, almond, oat) works perfectly in both dough and frosting.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Fridge: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and frost before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in oven at 160°C / 320°F for 5–7 minutes.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

  • Dense rolls: Dough wasn’t kneaded enough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  • Dry rolls: Overbaked — check at 20 minutes.
  • Filling leakage: Roll tightly and use softened butter (not melted).

Tools & Equipment

  • 9x13 in (23x33 cm) baking dish
  • Rolling pin
  • Bench scraper or floss for clean cuts
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with fresh fruit salad, iced coffee, or spiced chai latte.
  • Perfect for brunch spreads, potlucks, or festive breakfasts.