These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on a classic treat! They are soft, fluffy, and have a lovely pink hue that makes them extra special. The sweet cinnamon filling is a perfect match!
Making these rolls is like baking a sweet dream! I love watching them rise beautifully. Serve them warm with cream cheese icing, and trust me, you’ll want to share—if you can resist the first bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for the dough’s structure. If needed, you can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Just make sure to check your ratios as gluten-free flour can vary.
Whole milk: Whole milk helps keep the dough rich and tender. You can swap it for almond milk or any other plant-based milk if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan—just ensure it’s unsweetened.
User’s choice of food coloring: I prefer using natural pink food coloring, like beet juice concentrate, for a healthier touch. If you can’t find that, standard food coloring works well, too.
Cinnamon: It’s the star of the filling. If you’re out of cinnamon, nutmeg can be a nice alternative, or you can use a pumpkin spice blend for a twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Dough for Your Cinnamon Rolls?
Getting your dough right is key for soft, fluffy rolls. Make sure your yeast is fresh—if it doesn’t foam in warm milk, toss it and start over!
- After mixing, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it!
- Rising time is also crucial—give it ample time to double in size. If you have a cold kitchen, consider letting it rise in a slightly warm oven.
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut the Dough?
When rolling out your dough, keep it even for uniform rolls. Use a rolling pin and sprinkle a little flour on your surface to prevent sticking.
- For cutting, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the dough. It creates cleaner cuts without squishing your rolls.
- Place them cut-side-up in the baking dish, giving them space to expand while baking—they’ll puff up beautifully!
This approach will help you create delicious pink velvet cinnamon rolls that not only look delightful but also taste amazing! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp natural pink food coloring (or beet juice concentrate for natural color)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Pink Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp pink food coloring (adjust to desired shade)
For Decoration:
- Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles in pink, white, and red
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours, including 1.5 hours for rising and about 25 minutes for baking. The prep time is around 20 minutes, and the rolls will need to cool slightly before you add the icing. Perfect for a lovely weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a larger mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Then, add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring. Mix everything until well combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour as needed to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place that dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until creamy and well combined. This filling will give your cinnamon rolls their delicious flavor!
3. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 15×12 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over your dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut this log into 12 equal slices, which will be about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they feel puffy.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on the top. Once they are done, take them out and allow to cool slightly.
5. Make the Pink Cream Cheese Icing:
For the icing, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and then the milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth spreading consistency. Finally, add the pink food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
6. Finish:
Spread the generous pink icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. For the final touch, sprinkle the festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy this delightful treat!
These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a sheer delight, capturing the spirit of fun and sweetness in each bite. Perfect for celebrations or simply indulging on a cozy morning!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk for the Dough?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any other milk, such as almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened and heated to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Place them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap after shaping. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to allow them to rise again.
Can I Freeze the Rolls After Baking?
Absolutely! Allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check that your yeast is fresh by testing it in warm milk before adding it to the dough. Also, ensure that the environment is warm enough for the dough to rise properly; if your kitchen is cold, try using the oven’s “proof” function or placing the bowl near a warm spot.