Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

These sweet potato dinner rolls are everything I love about homemade bread — soft, golden, and just slightly sweet. The mashed sweet potatoes make them incredibly tender and give them that beautiful warm color. They’re perfect for soaking up sauces, serving alongside a roast chicken, or even enjoying on their own with a little butter. I like to make a batch ahead and keep them warm in a basket lined with a clean towel — simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

Prep Time	Rise Time
25 mins	1 hr 30 mins
Bake Time	Total Time
20 mins	2 hr 15 mins
Serves
12

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup mashed sweet potato, about 1 medium potato, peeled and boiled until soft

•  2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 packet

•  1/2 cup warm milk, 100–110°F / 38–43°C

•  2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

•  3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or dairy-free alternative

•  1 egg

•  3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

•  1 teaspoon salt

•  extra melted butter for brushing, optional

Instructions

Activate the yeast:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk and maple syrup. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

   
   

   Make the dough:

2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the mashed sweet potato, egg, butter, salt, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms — it should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

   
   

   Knead:

3. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

   
   

   First rise:

4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

   
   

   Shape the rolls:

5. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or round pan.

   
   

   Second rise:

6. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

   
   

   Bake:

7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until golden on top and baked through.

   
   

   Finish:

8. Brush warm rolls with melted butter or maple butter for shine and extra flavor.