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Fluffy Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato – Sweet, Buttery & Comforting

Few side dishes capture the essence of warmth and comfort like a perfectly baked sweet potato — and when you add a dollop of cinnamon butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, it becomes pure magic. This Fluffy Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato is soft, sweet, and bursting with caramelized flavor — a dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family meal, a festive Thanksgiving spread, or a quick weekday dinner, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety butter and fragrant cinnamon, while a drizzle of pure maple syrup ties everything together with a golden touch of decadence. The best part? This recipe is effortlessly simple. You just bake, fluff, and top — no complicated steps, no fancy tools. Just the delicious combination of fluffy interiors, buttery goodness, and sweet spice perfection. Once you taste this dish, you’ll wonder how something so easy can taste so extraordinary. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you why simple food made with love always steals the show.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍠 Vegetables
  • 2½ lbs sweet potatoes about 4 medium ones, scrubbed clean
🧂 Seasoning & Sweeteners
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup real maple syrup
🧈 Dairy
  • 6 tbsp butter softened, divided
🛢️ Oil
  • Spray oil any neutral oil or olive oil spray
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Equipment

  • You don’t need much — just a few kitchen basics:
  • 1 baking tray or sheet pan
  • Parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup)
  • 1 small bowl (for mixing cinnamon butter)
  • 1 fork (for fluffing and piercing)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spray oil (or a brush for light oiling)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  3. Prick each potato several times with a fork — this allows steam to escape while baking.
  4. Lightly coat each one with spray oil to help the skins crisp beautifully.
  5. Place on a lined baking tray.
💡 Tip: For a slightly smoky, caramelized edge, sprinkle a pinch of salt directly on the skins before baking.
    Step 2: Bake Until Tender
    1. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45–60 minutes, depending on their size.
    2. Check doneness by inserting a knife — it should glide in easily.
    3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 5–10 minutes.
    💡 Pro Tip: For extra fluffy interiors, let the sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes before cutting — it helps the steam distribute evenly.
      Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter
      1. In a small bowl, mix together butter, cinnamon, and salt until creamy and well combined.
      2. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
      3. Set aside at room temperature — this ensures it melts perfectly over the hot potatoes later.
      💡 Variation: Want an even creamier topping? Whip the butter mixture using a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
        Step 4: Fluff and Serve
        1. Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise.
        2. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside to create that signature airy texture.
        3. Drop a generous spoonful of cinnamon butter inside each one and let it melt into the steaming potato flesh.
        4. Finish with a drizzle of real maple syrup for the perfect glossy sweetness.

        Notes

        🧊 Storage & Reheating
        These baked sweet potatoes keep beautifully — and reheat just as soft and flavorful as when first made!
        Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
        Freezer: Wrap each cooled potato individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
        Reheating:
        Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
        Microwave: 1–2 minutes until warm.
        Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes for crisp skins.
        💡 Tip: Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup after reheating to restore that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
        🥄 Variations
        Want to switch things up? Try one of these fun and flavorful twists!
        Pecan Crunch: Top with toasted pecans or candied walnuts for texture.
        Honey Cinnamon Delight: Swap maple syrup for honey and add a sprinkle of nutmeg.
        Marshmallow Magic: Add a few mini marshmallows and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.
        Savory Version: Skip the syrup and cinnamon — instead, top with herb butter and a pinch of black pepper.
        Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and pure maple syrup for an easy vegan option.
        Breakfast Boost: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or peanut butter and sprinkle with chia seeds.
        Spiced Holiday Twist: Mix ginger, clove, or allspice into the butter for a festive aroma.
        ❓ 10 FAQs
        1. Do I need to wrap the sweet potatoes in foil?
        No, roasting them unwrapped helps the skins crisp up beautifully while keeping the inside soft.
        2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
        Yes! Honey gives a thicker, slightly floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon butter.
        3. What type of sweet potato works best?
        Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal — they’re naturally sweet, moist, and bake to fluffy perfection.
        4. How can I make the skin extra crispy?
        Coat with a light layer of oil and bake directly on the oven rack for maximum air circulation.
        5. Can I bake them ahead of time?
        Definitely! Bake them a day ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
        6. Can I microwave instead of baking?
        Yes, but the texture won’t be as caramelized. Microwave for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
        7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
        Absolutely — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
        8. Can I make the cinnamon butter in advance?
        Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
        9. What’s the best way to serve these?
        They’re delicious on their own or paired with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or salad greens.
        10. Can I make this with white sweet potatoes?
        Yes, but they’ll be slightly less sweet — still delicious with butter and cinnamon.
        🏁 Conclusion
        This Fluffy Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Each potato is baked to tender perfection, then filled with rich, cinnamon-infused butter and topped with golden maple syrup for a finish that’s sweet, cozy, and irresistible.
        It’s a dish that feels like a hug in every bite — the perfect side for holiday feasts or weeknight comfort dinners. The natural sweetness of the potato, the warmth of cinnamon, and the luxurious touch of butter come together to create something truly unforgettable.
        Whether served alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or enjoyed as a stand-alone comfort meal, this recipe is proof that the simplest ingredients often make the most extraordinary dishes.