Dreamy Purple Swirl Rolls

Dreamy Purple Swirl Rolls are soft, sweet, and absolutely stunning. I take fluffy yeast dough and swirl it with a vibrant purple filling made from ube or purple sweet potato, then bake until golden and drizzle with a creamy glaze. They’re eye-catching, tender, and have a naturally nutty, vanilla-like flavor that makes them just as good as they look.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making these rolls because they bring something unexpected to the table—both in color and taste. The purple swirl is rich, slightly earthy, and sweet without being too much, and the dough bakes up soft and pillowy. They’re perfect for brunches, holidays, or anytime I want a treat that feels magical and a little indulgent. Plus, they’re just plain fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Instant yeast

• Salt

• Milk (warm)

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Egg

For the purple swirl filling:

• Ube halaya (purple yam jam) or mashed purple sweet potato

• Sweetened condensed milk or brown sugar

• Butter

• Optional: ube extract for extra flavor and color

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Milk or cream

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: a drop of purple food coloring or ube extract for a tinted glaze

Directions

1. I start by making the dough: I mix warm milk with yeast and sugar, then stir in the egg, butter, and flour until a soft dough forms.

2. I knead it until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 1 hour.

3. While the dough rises, I prepare the filling by mixing ube halaya or mashed sweet potato with butter and condensed milk until smooth.

4. After the dough has risen, I roll it out into a rectangle and spread the purple filling evenly over the surface.

5. I roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, then slice into equal rolls.

6. I place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

7. I bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.

8. While they bake, I whisk together the glaze ingredients.

9. I drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve them fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 large rolls and takes around 2.5 hours total—mostly hands-off while the dough rises.

Variations

Sometimes I add shredded coconut to the filling for extra texture. I’ve also used a cinnamon-ube blend when I want a spiced version. For a shortcut, I use pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough and just focus on the filling. These rolls can also be made the night before and baked in the morning.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave them for about 15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F until soft. They also freeze well—unglazed—and I add fresh glaze after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts. It has a slightly nutty, vanilla-like flavor and gives these rolls their signature color and taste.

Can I use purple sweet potato instead?

Yes. I’ve used mashed purple sweet potato many times when I don’t have ube halaya. I just sweeten it a bit and add a splash of milk to make it spreadable.

Do I have to make the dough from scratch?

Not at all. I’ve used store-bought dough in a pinch, and it still turns out great. Homemade just gives it a softer, richer texture.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes. I assemble the rolls and place them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. I let them come to room temperature in the morning before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Sure. They’re still delicious without it, but I love the extra sweetness and visual flair it adds. I’ve also dusted them with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Dreamy Purple Swirl Rolls are the kind of treat that turn heads and satisfy cravings all at once. I love the vibrant color, the rich yet balanced sweetness, and how soft and comforting they are fresh from the oven. Whether I’m baking them for a special brunch or just because I feel like it, these rolls always bring joy—with a splash of color.

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