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Moist Ube Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Filipino-Inspired Sweet Rolls
- Rachel Orban
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Fall is here, which means the baking season is officially in full swing. And what better way to kick it off than with a warm batch of moist ube cinnamon rolls! These fluffy rolls combine the comforting classic flavor of cinnamon with the rich, nutty sweetness of ube, the beloved purple yam from the Philippines. The result is a cozy, vibrant, and unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that you’ll want to make all season long.
This recipe includes all the tips you need to make ube cinnamon rolls from scratch, plus a coconut glaze that ties it all together. If you’re a fan of Filipino flavors or just want to try something new this fall, these rolls are the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch table.
Why You’ll Love Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and moist thanks to a yogurt-and-milk base.
Unique flavor combination that balances warm cinnamon with the subtle sweetness of ube.
Filipino-inspired twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
Perfect for fall and winter baking. They’re cozy, comforting, and colorful.
What is Ube?
Ube is a vibrant purple yam popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in the Philippines. It is known for its purple color and slightly nutty, vanilla-like flavor. Ube pairs beautifully with sweet dishes. It’s commonly used in ube halaya (jam) to make ube desserts like ice cream, cakes, and breads.
In this recipe, ube is the star of the filling. It adds flavor and the eye-catching color. To enhance it even more, these rolls are topped with a coconut glaze, since coconut and ube are a classic Filipino pairing.
Ingredients for the Dough
Greek Yogurt + Milk – Adds moisture and tenderness, similar to buttermilk. Can substitute with buttermilk or whole milk.
Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise for that fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough. Brown sugar can be substituted (may require extra flour).
Ube Extract – Brings the Ube flavor and purple color.
Butter – Provides richness and a delicate, moist crumb.
Egg – Adds structure and richness while helping the dough rise.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough.
Ingredients for the Ube Cinnamon Filling
Ube Halaya (Ube Jam) – Can be purchased at Asian grocery stores or made at home. For a lighter option, substitute butter, though the ube flavor will be less pronounced.
Brown Sugar – Brings that classic cinnamon roll sweetness.
Cinnamon – A must-have for the warm, spiced filling.
Instructions: How to Make Moist Ube Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix the wet ingredients with the yeast and then slowly add the flour until a dough forms. Knead it until smooth, then let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Ube Filling
Combine ube halaya, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to make a sweet, creamy filling.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the ube filling evenly on top, then roll it up into a log. Slice into even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
4. Let Them Rise Again
Cover the rolls and let them rest until puffy and airy.
5. Bake
Bake in the oven until the tops are golden and the rolls are cooked through.
6. Add the Coconut Glaze & Serve
Mix up a simple coconut glaze and drizzle it over the warm rolls. Serve fresh and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Use warm milk (not hot!) to activate the yeast.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size for the fluffiest rolls.
1
Make Ahead
You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
2
Freezer Friendly
Bake the rolls, let them cool completely, then freeze. Warm in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
3
Ube Halaya Substitute
If you can’t find ube halaya, you can use extra butter with ube extract, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Notes
1
Warm the milk and yogurt mixture until slightly warm to the touch (about 110F). Stir in the active dry yeast and sugar.
2
In a standing mixer, combine milk and sugar mixture with the room temperature butter.
3
Add in flour slowly until it is completely mixed and forms a dough texture.
4
Remove dough for bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle.
7
Spread the ube halaya evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
8
Once the rolls
9
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 9 even pieces. place them in a greased 9x9 baking pan and let rise for another 1-2 hours.
10
Preheat oven at 350F.
11
After rolls are done rising, bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and baked through.
12
While rolls are baking, prepare a the coconut glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.
13
Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve. Enjoy these moist, fluffy ube cinnamon rolls warm from the oven.
Instructions
¼ cup whole milk mixed with ½ cup of greek yogurt (substitute buttermilk or just whole milk)
2 tsp or 1 packet of active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp room temperature butter
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
2 tsp of ube extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Ube Dough
1/2 cup ube halaya
1/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 tbsp of cinnamon
Ube Filling
½ tsp of vanilla or vanilla bean extract
2 tbsp of coconut milk
¾ cup of powdered sugar
Coconut Glaze
Ube Cinnamon Rolls With a Coconut Glaze
Rachel Orban
These Moist Ube Cinnamon Rolls are a Filipino-inspired twist on the classic sweet roll. Soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich swirl of ube halaya, cinnamon, and brown sugar, they’re baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy coconut glaze. Perfect for fall, holidays, or any cozy breakfast or brunch, these vibrant purple rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious.
9 rolls
383 per roll
Prep Time
25 min (plus rising)
Cooking Time
20-25 min
Rest Time
0 min
Total Time
2 1/2 hours
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