Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls with Pecan Streusel & Marshmallow Crème Icing

Soft, fluffy, warmly spiced rolls with a gooey, crunchy, cloud-like finish

If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want something extra special, these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort baking at its finest. The mashed sweet potato makes the dough incredibly soft and moist, while adding a subtle natural sweetness and beautiful golden color.

Layered with cinnamon sugar, topped with a buttery pecan streusel, and finished with fluffy marshmallow crème icing, these rolls are indulgent, cozy, and absolutely unforgettable.

Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want to impress.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultra soft, pillowy dough
✔ Warm cinnamon-sweet potato flavor
✔ Crunchy buttery pecan topping
✔ Dreamy marshmallow icing
✔ Perfect for fall and holidays

The sweet potato enriches the dough much like brioche, giving you tenderness without heaviness.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Dough:

¾ cup mashed sweet potato (cooled)
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup melted butter
3 ½–4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Pecan Streusel:

½ cup chopped pecans
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flour
3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed)
Pinch of salt

For the Marshmallow Crème Icing:

½ cup marshmallow crème
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

In a large bowl combine:

Mashed sweet potato
Brown sugar
Egg
Melted butter

Add the yeast mixture and stir.

Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly soft but not sticky.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

3️⃣ Prepare the Streusel

In a bowl, mix:

Brown sugar
Flour
Salt

Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Stir in chopped pecans.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

4️⃣ Roll & Fill

Roll dough into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).

Spread softened butter over the surface.
Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Roll tightly from the long side.
Slice into 12 rolls.

Place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

5️⃣ Second Rise

Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

6️⃣ Add Streusel & Bake

Sprinkle pecan streusel over the tops.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden brown.

7️⃣ Make the Marshmallow Icing

Beat together:

Marshmallow crème
Butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla

Add milk until smooth and spreadable.

Spread over warm (not hot) rolls.

🍽 Texture & Flavor

Soft, fluffy interior
Warm cinnamon spice
Buttery crunch from streusel
Gooey marshmallow sweetness

The contrast between crunchy pecans and pillowy rolls makes every bite special.

✨ Variations

🥥 Toasted Coconut

Add coconut to the streusel.

🍁 Maple Glaze Twist

Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the icing.

🧀 Cream Cheese Blend

Mix 2 oz cream cheese into the marshmallow icing for tangy balance.

🍫 Chocolate Swirl

Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store covered at room temperature 2 days
Refrigerate up to 5 days
Reheat 15–20 seconds in microwave
Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 2 months

💡 Tips for Success

✔ Use smooth mashed sweet potato (no lumps)
✔ Don’t over-flour the dough
✔ Let rolls cool slightly before icing
✔ Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

Sweet potato adds moisture and tenderness while reducing the need for excess fat. The enriched dough creates that bakery-style softness. The streusel adds texture contrast, and the marshmallow icing gives a playful, nostalgic finish.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls with Pecan Streusel and Marshmallow Crème Icing are everything you want in a special treat—soft, spiced, buttery, and gloriously sweet.

They’re ideal for holiday mornings, fall gatherings, or whenever you want to bake something that truly feels like a celebration.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon rolls with a pecan