There is something undeniably magical about the smell of sweet potatoes roasting in the oven as the weather starts to cool down. It’s one of those aromas that instantly makes a house feel like a home. But let’s be honest, while a plain baked potato is fine, we are all really here for the toppings! That is precisely why I am sharing my absolute favorite way to eat them: the Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato.
Those famous steakhouse rolls actually inspired me, you know, the ones with the addictive cinnamon butter? I realized that same sweet, spiced, creamy magic would pair perfectly with the natural earthiness of a roasted sweet potato. And guess what? It’s a total game-changer! You get that crispy, savory potato skin on the outside and a fluffy, caramelized interior that melts together with the spiced butter. It’s essentially a dessert masquerading as a vegetable side dish, and I am totally here for it.
Though you might see recipes for candied yams or marshmallow-topped casseroles, I wanted a version that felt a little more effortless but just as indulgent. You can whip this up for a cozy weeknight dinner or showcase it as a Thanksgiving sweet potato side dish. Get ready, because this might just become your new obsession!
Table of Contents
Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes scrubbed and dried
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt for sprinkling on skin, optional
For the Whipped Cinnamon Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a towel (this ensures crispy skin!).
- Pierce & Season: Poke holes all over each potato with a fork (about 6-8 times). Place them on a baking sheet and brush generously with the olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a knife slides through the center with zero resistance. You might see some sugary juices bubbling out—that’s a good sign!
- Make the Butter: While the potatoes bake, whip the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl with a hand mixer. Beat for roughly 2 minutes until light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Serve: Let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes. Slice lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with a generous dollop of the cinnamon butter. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you don’t need a long, complicated grocery list. We are sticking to pantry staples that deliver big flavor. Here is what you will need:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (try to find ones that are roughly the same size for even baking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the skins)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (this is crucial for whipping!)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Note: Opt for untreated lemons or organic potatoes, if possible, especially since we want the skin to get nice and crispy.
How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato
Get ready to make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible. Here are the steps to achieving that fluffy, restaurant-quality potato right at home.
1. Prepare & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, give your sweet potatoes a little spa treatment. Thoroughly scrub them under cold running water to remove any dirt. I recommend using a vegetable brush if you have one! Once they are clean, pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Why this matters: Removing excess moisture is the key to achieving that coveted crispy skin, rather than a soggy one.
2. Pierce & Oil
Arrange your clean, dry sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet. Ensure that they are spaced apart so that the heat can circulate freely around each one. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato 6-8 times all over.
- Safety Tip: These small holes allow steam to escape during baking, preventing any potential (and messy!) bursting in your oven.
Next, brush each potato generously with the two tablespoons of olive oil, coating all sides. This oil layer helps the skin crisp up and encourages the natural sugars to caramelize beautifully.
3. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. You will want to bake them for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
- How to tell when they are done: The potatoes are ready when a knife or fork slides through the center with absolutely no resistance. It should feel like cutting through warm butter. You will notice the skin darkening to a deep, rich color, and you might even see some sugary juices bubbling out. That is totally normal and creates delicious caramelized spots!
Remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the insides to set slightly, making them much easier to handle and fluff.
4. Whip the Cinnamon Butter
While the potatoes are baking (or cooling), you can whip up the star of the show. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes. You are looking for it to transform into a light, fluffy, cloud-like consistency. The butter should be smooth, and the color will lighten as air is incorporated. It creates an irresistibly creamy texture that spreads like a dream.
5. Finish & Serve
To serve, carefully slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the center. Using a fork, gently fluff and mash the tender insides to create light, airy pockets. Top each hot potato generously with two tablespoons of the whipped cinnamon butter, allowing it to melt into all those fluffy crevices. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the butter is melting into golden pools of deliciousness!
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
This recipe is pretty foolproof, but over the years, I’ve discovered a few minor tweaks that can make it even better. Whether you are looking for a sweet potato side dish for a holiday or just a Tuesday night, here are some ideas.
- Room Temperature Butter is Key: I cannot stress this enough! If your butter is too cold, it won’t whip; it will just clump. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge (we have all been there), cut it into small cubes and let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes, or put it in the microwave on 10% power for just a few seconds.
- The “Drop” Test: To ensure the fluffiest interior, some chefs recommend picking up the baked potato (using an oven mitt!) and dropping it onto the baking sheet from about 6 inches high before cutting it open. It sounds wild, but it helps loosen the flesh from the skin!
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can absolutely make the cinnamon butter ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just let it come to room temperature before serving so it’s spreadable.
Delicious Variations
- Add a Crunch: If you love texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the butter. It gives it a sweet potato casserole vibe without all the extra work.
- Spicing it Up: My personal preference is cinnamon, but you can also substitute it with pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of cardamom for a more complex, warming flavor.
- Honey Lover? If you are out of brown sugar, you can swap it for honey or maple syrup. It will change the texture of the butter (it will be less fluffy and more glossy), but the flavor of a sweet potato with honey cinnamon butter is just as incredible.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes
Since these potatoes are on the sweeter side, they pair beautifully with savory, smoky, or salty proteins. They balance out a meal perfectly!
- Steakhouse Style: Naturally, these are the perfect partner for a juicy grilled ribeye or sirloin. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Roast Chicken: A simple herb-roasted chicken is a great match. The savory herbs on the chicken complement the cinnamon spice so well.
- Pork Chops: Sweet potatoes and pork are a classic combination. Try serving this alongside grilled pork chops or a pork tenderloin.
- The Holiday Spread: This is a fantastic Thanksgiving side dish featuring sweet potatoes. It’s much easier than making a whole casserole, and guests can butter their own potatoes to their liking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cinnamon taste good on sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes have a naturally high sugar content that caramelizes when baked. Cinnamon enhances those natural sugars and adds a warm, woody spice that balances the earthiness of the tuber. It’s a classic flavor pairing for a reason; it just works!
What is Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter made of?
If you have ever had that famous restaurant butter, you know it’s addictive. Their version is very similar to this recipe! It typically combines whipped butter, cinnamon, sugar (often honey or corn syrup in their case), and vanilla. By using brown sugar in our version, we get a deeper molasses flavor that makes these steakhouse sweet potatoes taste homemade and comforting.
Why do you have to soak sweet potatoes before baking?
While I didn’t include a long soak in this recipe to save you time, soaking sweet potatoes in cold water for 1-8 hours can help draw out some of the surface starch. This can lead to an even crispier skin and a fluffier interior. However, simply scrubbing them and baking at a high temp (400°F) works wonders if you want to get dinner on the table faster!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato recipe a try soon! It is one of those dishes that feels incredibly indulgent but is actually quite simple to prepare. Whether you are looking for the perfect baked sweet potato to impress guests or want a cozy comfort food night in, this recipe delivers every single time.
If you whip this up, I would love to hear how it turned out! Did you add pecans? Did you double the butter (I wouldn’t blame you!)? Leave a comment below and let me know. Happy baking!
