When sweet potatoes meet a buttery cinnamon glaze, magic happens. These Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes are golden on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, and carry a caramel-like sweetness that feels like a warm hug. Each bite bursts with cozy fall flavors, making them an irresistible side for any dinner table—or even a dessert option!
This dish is oven-roasted until the edges are perfectly caramelized and the glaze has thickened into a silky coating. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday feasts, or weeknight dinners when you want a hint of something sweet and savory. A must-have for anyone who loves comfort food with minimal effort.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
Stick with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel. They’re naturally sweeter and creamier, which works perfectly for baking. Avoid white or purple sweet potatoes for this particular recipe—they tend to be drier and don’t caramelize the same way.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato
Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish. Choose firm, medium-sized ones for even cooking and natural sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – It melts into the potatoes and carries the cinnamon and sugar flavors. Unsalted gives you better control over the taste.
Brown Sugar – For that molasses-rich depth and sticky-sweet glaze.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm spice and brings the “comfort” to comfort food.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.
Vanilla Extract – Optional but recommended. It enhances the buttery aroma and adds a smooth finish.
Olive Oil – Helps with roasting and prevents the butter from burning.
How To Make the Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Cube the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This helps ensure they roast evenly.
Step 3: Toss with Olive Oil
Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until lightly coated. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Potatoes
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so all sides begin to brown.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
While the potatoes bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract if using. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish Roasting
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the cinnamon butter sauce over the sweet potatoes, gently tossing them on the pan to coat. Return to the oven and roast for another 10–15 minutes, until the edges caramelize and become golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Let them cool slightly before serving. Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the top for an extra boost of flavor.
How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are best served warm straight from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for contrast. They’re perfect alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, grilled chicken, or even as a hearty vegetarian main.
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to revive their caramelized texture. You can also microwave them, but the edges may soften more.
For freezing, portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
You can substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind the glaze will be slightly runnier with syrup.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and reheat them before serving.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting soggy?
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which traps steam. Spread the cubes in a single layer with space between each.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any store-bought items like vanilla extract are certified.
Can I use margarine or vegan butter?
Absolutely. Vegan butter substitutes work well, though the flavor may be slightly different. Look for one with a rich, creamy base.
What herbs go well with this dish?
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even sage can add an earthy balance to the sweetness if you’re feeling a bit more savory.
Want More Comforting Side Dish Ideas?
If you love these Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes, here are a few more delicious dishes to explore next:
- Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots for a silky, lightly spiced side.
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for a hearty one-pan meal with protein and sweet potato.
- Easy Pumpkin Muffins if you want a fall-flavored snack to match the season.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Patties for a cheesy, low-carb companion.
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to round out a Southern-style comfort meal.
And for more warm, cozy recipe inspiration, head to my Pinterest board: Life with Jam on Pinterest
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can revisit it all season long.
If you gave this recipe your own spin—added chili flakes, swapped in maple syrup, or tossed in pecans—I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Sharing how you personalize these cozy favorites helps all of us cook a little happier. Let’s swap notes!

Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes are oven-roasted to caramelized perfection, glazed in a buttery brown sugar cinnamon sauce, and make the coziest side dish for any meal. Sweet, spiced, and ultra-satisfying.
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces.
3. Toss sweet potato cubes in a large bowl with olive oil until well-coated. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and optional vanilla. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove sweet potatoes from the oven, drizzle with the cinnamon butter glaze, and toss gently to coat.
7. Return to oven and roast for another 10–15 minutes, until edges caramelize.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan on top.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet—spread sweet potatoes in a single layer for the best caramelization.
For added crunch and flavor, top with toasted pecans or chopped walnuts before serving.
Maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg


