Cook the sweet potato until very tender, mash until smooth, and let it cool to room temperature.
Warm the milk to 105–110°F. Stir in yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let stand until foamy, 5–10 minutes.
Whisk the remaining sugar, mashed sweet potato, melted butter, beaten egg, cinnamon, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Add 3 cups flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Sprinkle in more flour as needed to make a soft, slightly tacky dough.
Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 8–10 minutes, or knead in a mixer 6–7 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–75 minutes.
Punch down the dough. Divide into 12 equal pieces, shape into tight balls, and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F.
Beat softened butter with maple syrup, chopped pecans, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy. Chill until serving.
Bake rolls until golden and 195°F inside, 16–20 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter and serve warm with maple pecan butter.
Notes
Variation: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the dough or swap pecans for walnuts in the butter. Make-ahead: Shape rolls, cover, and refrigerate up to 16 hours; bring to room temp and proof until puffy before baking. Storage: Store baked rolls airtight at room temperature for 2 days or freeze up to 2 months. The maple pecan butter keeps 1 week refrigerated.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Sweet Potato Rolls with Maple Pecan Butter flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.