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Soft Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Soft, golden Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls with a tender, fluffy texture. Perfect for holidays, weeknight meals, and delicious homemade baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 18 rolls
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from 1 medium potato, cooked & cooled)
  • ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Topping

  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Sweet Potato
    Cook the sweet potato until tender—microwave for 6–8 minutes or bake at 400°F for 45–60 minutes. Scoop, mash, and let cool completely. Measure 1 cup for accuracy.
  • Activate the Yeast
    In a mixing bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let rest 5–10 minutes until foamy. If not foamy, the yeast is inactive—start again.
  • Combine the Wet Ingredients
    Add mashed sweet potato, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  • Form the Dough
    Add flour gradually, starting with 4 cups. Mix with a dough hook (or by hand) until the dough pulls away from the sides and feels slightly tacky. Add more flour if needed. Knead 6–8 minutes (or 10–12 minutes by hand) until elastic and smooth.
  • First Rise
    Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes in a warm area until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Rolls
    Punch down dough gently. Divide into 16–18 equal pieces. Roll each into smooth balls and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  • Second Rise
    Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until noticeably puffy and touching.
  • Bake
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with melted butter. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden and an internal thermometer reads about 190°F. Brush with more butter after baking. Add flaky salt if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked sweet potato for the best flavor.
  • A warm, draft-free place helps dough rise faster and more evenly.
  • Brushing with butter before and after baking enhances softness and shine.
  • Rolls freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prep.