If you're searching for a delightful twist on classic rolls that will elevate your dinner table, look no further than these Sweet Potato Cloverleaf Rolls! Bursting with the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes and a hint of warm cinnamon, these rolls are not just visually appealing but also incredibly soft and fluffy. Imagine serving freshly baked, golden-brown rolls that your family and friends will rave about—it's the perfect addition to any meal! Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Measure out 2 cups of the mashed sweet potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it is just lukewarm. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk mixture with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the yeast mixture and stir until well incorporated. Gradually add in the ground cinnamon and 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- Continue adding the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a smooth and elastic dough forms. You may not need all of the flour, so add it gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. For each roll, divide the piece into three smaller balls. Shape these balls into smooth rounds.
- Grease a muffin tin or a baking dish. Place three small dough balls into each muffin cup to form a cloverleaf shape. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, and enjoy your Sweet Potato Cloverleaf Rolls!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are cooked until tender but not mushy. This will help achieve the right texture when mashing.
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your milk mixture is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent your rolls from rising.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use a firm but gentle touch. This helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft and elastic texture.
- Rising Time: For the best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Shaping the Rolls: When forming the cloverleaf shape, ensure the smaller dough balls are smooth and tightly packed together to create a beautiful presentation.
- Baking to Perfection: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake; every oven is different! Look for a golden-brown color on top and a delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
- Serving Suggestions: These rolls are best enjoyed warm. Consider serving them with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
