These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on the classic treat! Fluffy dough is swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with a pretty pink frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to bright pink rolls? I love how they’re soft and sweet, plus my kids can’t resist the color! Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your dough. I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour for better texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise! If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, and you won’t need to proof it first—just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Food Coloring: This gives the rolls their signature pink color! If you prefer natural colors, beet juice can be a great substitute, but you may need to adjust the amount for the right shade.
Cinnamon: The star of the filling! If you’re looking for a different flavor, mix in some nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice twist.
How Do You Ensure Your Dough Rises Perfectly?
Creating the perfect dough involves a few key steps to ensure a good rise. Start by checking the yeast—if it bubbles in warm milk, it’s active! When mixing the dough, keep the temperature of the milk around 110°F, as too hot can kill the yeast.
- After forming the dough, place it in a greased bowl and cover it to keep moisture in.
- Let it rise in a warm area—an oven (turned off) or a sunny spot works well.
- If the dough doubles in size in 1-2 hours, you’re ready to shape it!
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut the Dough?
To roll and cut your cinnamon rolls perfectly, use a light touch! After rolling out your dough, spread the filling evenly to the edges for maximum flavor. When cutting, use a sharp knife to slice cleanly through the dough, avoiding squishing it down.
- If you prefer, you can use unflavored dental floss for cutting the rolls—just slide it under the roll, cross the ends, and pull!
- When placing them in the pan, ensure they’re snug but not overcrowded, which allows them to rise nicely during baking.
Enjoy making these delightful Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! They’re a fun treat that’s sure to brighten your day.
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp red or pink food coloring (liquid or gel)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Pink Velvet Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- A few drops red or pink food coloring to achieve desired pink color
Decoration:
- Pink, white, and red sprinkles or sugar confetti
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking, plus 1-2 hours for the dough to rise. So, you’re looking at about 2.5 to 3 hours including rise time, baking, and decorating. But don’t worry—it’s mostly hands-off time while your dough rises!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This is how you know your yeast is active! Then, add the eggs, melted butter, salt, and food coloring, mixing until blended.
Next, gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time. Use the dough hook attachment and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Filling:
While your dough is rising, prepare the filling! In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy. This will make a deliciously sweet paste!
3. Roll and Fill the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Smoothly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border at the top.
Starting from the edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Make sure to pinch the edge to seal it well.
4. Cut and Proof Rolls:
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Place these slices into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, leaving some space between each roll for rising. Cover them with a towel again and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until they’re slightly puffy.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown on top and smell heavenly!
6. Prepare the Pink Velvet Frosting:
While the rolls bake, make your frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Mix until everything is smooth and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
7. Frost and Decorate:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the pink velvet frosting over the warm rolls. It will melt slightly, making them even more delicious! Top with colorful sprinkles or sugar confetti for a fun and festive touch!
8. Serve warm:
Your delightful Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
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These lovely Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon sugar swirl dough with a fun pink twist both inside and out, finished with creamy pink frosting and sprinkles for a festive and delicious treat.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might want to use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour (like 50/50) for a lighter result while still adding some whole grains!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
To store leftovers, place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them in a tightly sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative. You can also use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Frosting Consistency?
If your frosting is too thick, simply add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired spreadability. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it. Adjust until you have a perfectly creamy consistency!