These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and colorful twist on the classic treat! With their fluffy dough and sweet cinnamon filling, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
The pretty pink color definitely makes them a showstopper for any brunch. I love serving them warm from the oven with a drizzle of cream cheese icing—yum! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. You can substitute part with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition, but it may alter the texture slightly. I suggest starting with a 50/50 mix if you’re curious!
Food Coloring: Red food coloring gives those lovely pink rolls. You can use beet juice or natural dyes if you want it more natural. Pink gel is great as it offers depth without adding too much liquid!
Cinnamon: The hero in the filling! If you want a twist, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile. Personally, I love the mix of cinnamon and nutmeg together.
Cream Cheese: Key for that rich frosting! If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. Just make sure it’s thick to keep the frosting creamy.
How Do I Make Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls?
The secret to fluffy rolls lies in the dough preparation and the rising time. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfect:
- When activating the yeast, make sure your milk is warm but not hot as high temperatures will kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven preheated just for a minute and then turned off.
- Punch the dough down gently after the first rise; this redistributes the yeast and gives your rolls better texture.
- Don’t skip the second rise after shaping! This extra time lets the rolls puff up and develop a nice, airy texture.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; you want them lightly golden but not overdone!
With these tips, your Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will be light, tender, and utterly delightful. Happy baking!🍞
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (or pink gel food coloring)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Pink Velvet Frosting & Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops red or pink food coloring
- Pink sanding sugar or pink candy sprinkles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time and 2-2.5 hours total, including rising time for the dough. You’ll have some waiting time as the rolls rise, but you’ll be rewarded with warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
2. Color the Dough:
Add the red or pink food coloring to the dough and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Knead and Rise:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. This will be the tasty filling for your rolls!
5. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down lightly and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 15×9 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover it all.
6. Form the Rolls:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 9-12 equal rolls and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This ensures they are fluffy after baking!
8. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the milk or cream and the vanilla. Add red food coloring until you reach your desired shade of pink.
10. Frost and Serve:
Let the rolls cool slightly for about 10 minutes, then generously spread the pink cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. For a festive touch, sprinkle pink sanding sugar or pink candy sprinkles on top.
11. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! These are perfect for a breakfast treat, dessert, or special occasion—everyone will love their sweet, colorful flair!
Happy baking and indulging! 🎉
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. To get a good balance, consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour to maintain fluffiness.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them overnight after the first rise. Let them come to room temperature before baking the next morning. This way, you’ll have fresh rolls in the morning with minimal effort!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or cool temperatures. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly in warm milk. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turn on for just a minute, then turn off) or a warm sunny spot to help it rise.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate for about a week or freeze them—just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving!
