Sweet Potato Rolls

Instructions

1. Rinse and peel the sweet potato. Then, cut the potato into ½-inch pieces.
2. To a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add potatoes and milk. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan and cook the potato pieces for 10-15 minutes, or until they are very soft, stirring occasionally so the milk does not scald.
4. Remove from heat. Mash the sweet potato with the milk until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl to cool (about 30 minutes).
5. After the mashed sweet potato has cooled, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let stand about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
6. To the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, add the mashed sweet potato, yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Beat on low until combined.
7. Continue mixing on low while gradually adding the salt and 4 cups of bread flour. Beat on low for about 4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes, adding ½ cup of flour at a time, as needed, if the dough is sticky.
9. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap.
10. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
11. When you are ready, spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
12. Punch the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface, and divide the dough into 15 equal-sized pieces.
13. Push down slightly (but firmly and evenly) on the dough pieces and roll the ball under your palm in a circular motion. Use the cupped sides of your hands to keep the dough centered in your palm. You may have to work the dough for a while, but eventually, it will come together and most of the lines and folds should have incorporated into the dough, forming a smooth dough ball.
14. Place the dough balls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to an hour.
15. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
16. When ready to bake, uncover the rolls and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until a dark golden brown. (The internal temperature of baked rolls should read 190°F.) When the rolls are almost done, melt the butter for the topping.
17. Brush the baked rolls with the melted butter and evenly sprinkle the kosher salt (or flaky sea salt) over the hot rolls and serve immediately. You could also let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving. (Note: If you want a sweeter roll, brush the rolls with a mixture of 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 2 teaspoons water to replace the butter.)