Kat’s $5000 Winning Cinnamon Rolls (Ready in 3 Hours!)

Craving cinnamon rolls that are soft, sweet, and totally from scratch? These dreamy swirls start with a secret ingredient—potatoes!—and finish with a rich cream cheese frosting that’s so good, you might just eat it by the spoonful.

From start to finish, they’re ready in three hours, and yes, they’re completely worth it.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ½ lb potatoes (weighed after peeling), cut into small pieces
• 1 cup water
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼
• cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp white sugar, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp + pinch active dry yeast
• Butter (for greasing the bowl)

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup coconut oil, softened
• ¼ cup salted butter, softened
• 2½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes: In a saucepan, combine potatoes, 1 cup water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Mash potatoes directly in the water, then stir in the ¼ cup softened butter.

2. Start the Dough: Mix mashed potato blend with 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, and both eggs until combined.

3. Activate the Yeast: In a separate large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup warm water, yeast, and remaining 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes, or until foamy.

4. Combine Mixtures: Slowly mix the potato mixture into the yeast mixture. Then add 1½ cups flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.

5. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 minutes, adding extra flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

6. Let It Rise: Butter a large bowl, place dough inside, flip to coat, and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes.

7. Prepare the Filling: Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.

8. Shape the Rolls: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar. Roll up tightly from the long edge, slice into 8 pieces using a serrated knife, and place cut-side up in the pan.

9. Second Rise & Bake: Let the rolls rise again for 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

10. Make the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, coconut oil, salted butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.

Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes—then frost generously and enjoy!