These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on a classic treat! Soft, fluffy dough swirls with sweet cinnamon and is topped with a creamy pink icing that makes them extra special.
You can’t help but smile when you see these bright rolls! I love serving them for breakfast or brunch. Trust me, they’re so pretty that even the toughest critics can’t resist a bite! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your dough. You can use a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise, making it soft and fluffy. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to proof it in warm milk.
Whole Milk: Warm milk gives a nice richness to the dough. If you need a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond or oat milk is a good alternative—just warm it slightly before using.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the rolls their beautiful pink hue. If you’d rather avoid food coloring, try beet juice for a natural color, though the shade will be different.
Cinnamon: This is the star of the filling! Feel free to mix it up with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist.
How Do You Make Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls?
The secret to fluffy, soft cinnamon rolls lies in proper dough preparation. Here’s how to do it:
- Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, which helps create a chewy texture. If it’s too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour.
- First Rise: Allow the dough to double in size in a warm draft-free area. A little patience here goes a long way—this can take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Using a cozy oven (turned off but with the light on) can help!
- Second Rise: After you shape the rolls, give them another rise. This helps create a light texture. Cover them up and let them puff for about 30-45 minutes.
- Baking: Watch the rolls closely as they bake. They should be golden brown. Take them out right away for the best texture!
Following these simple steps will give you light, airy, and delicious Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking!
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Pink Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
- Few drops of red or pink food coloring to achieve desired pink shade
For Garnish:
- Pink and white sprinkles or sanding sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires around 2.5 to 3 hours total. You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and mixing, and the dough requires approximately 2 hours to rise. The baking takes about 20-25 minutes, plus a little time for cooling and frosting. Well worth the wait for these delightful rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it stand for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy—that shows your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour, sugar, and salt. This is going to be your dough base.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and your foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for this step.
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s a smooth paste—this will be your delicious filling.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 14 by 9 inches.
8. Add the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough rectangle, making sure to cover the entire surface.
9. Roll It Up:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, careful not to squish the filling out as you go.
10. Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 equal slices (about 1.5–2 inches thick each). You can use dental floss for cleaner cuts if you prefer!
11. Arrange the Rolls:
Place the rolls into a greased baking pan or a pan lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to rise.
12. Second Rise:
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they are puffy and have doubled a bit in size.
13. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Bake the Rolls:
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
15. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, along with a few drops of food coloring to get that lovely pink hue. Add milk as needed to achieve a nice spreading consistency.
16. Frost the Rolls:
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for just a few minutes. Then, spread the pink cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
17. Add the Finishing Touches:
Before you serve, sprinkle with pink and white sprinkles for that festive touch. It’ll make them look even more delightful!
18. Serve and Enjoy:
These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm. Enjoy the soft, fluffy goodness with your family and friends for breakfast or a special treat!
These rolls are absolutely delicious with their cinnamon sugar warmth and a sweet pink finish that will brighten anyone’s day! Happy baking! 🎉
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes! If you have instant yeast on hand, feel free to use it in place of active dry yeast. You can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Smaller or Larger?
If you want smaller rolls, you can slice the log into more than 8 pieces; just reduce the baking time slightly. For larger rolls, cutting into fewer pieces will work, but keep an eye on them in the oven as they may need a few extra minutes to bake through.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before shaping and baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold!
