These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet treat that stands out with their beautiful pink color and soft, fluffy texture. Filled with gooey cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting, they are deliciously dreamy!
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, and the vibrant hue makes mornings a little brighter. I love enjoying these with a cup of coffee—it’s a lovely way to start the day! ☕💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise, be sure it is fresh. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead, but make sure to adjust the mixing steps accordingly, as it can be added directly to dry ingredients.
Whole Milk: This is crucial for a rich dough. If you need a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure they are warm before mixing.
Pink Velvet Cake Mix Powder/Red Food Coloring: For that pretty pink color, you can use actual cake mix for flavor and color. If you don’t have it, use red food coloring, or even beet juice for a natural option. Just adjust according to how deep you want the color.
Unsalted Butter: Always go for unsalted to control the saltiness in your dough and frosting. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute in the dough.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, ensure it’s soft enough to blend well. If you want a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt, though the flavor will vary slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Roll Shape?
Shaping the rolls neatly is key to their soft and fluffy nature. Here’s how to do it:
- After rolling out the dough, make sure it’s an even rectangle. This helps in even rolling and cutting.
- When rolling, start from the longer side. This creates a tighter roll, which results in fluffier buns.
- Use a sharp knife or a string to cut the rolls instead of a dull knife. A clean cut helps the rolls keep their shape as they rise.
Remember, a little practice makes a big difference! Take your time, and soon you’ll be rolling them like a pro.
What’s the Best Way to Frost Your Cinnamon Rolls?
Frosting the rolls while they’re warm allows the icing to melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare your frosting as soon as the rolls come out of the oven.
- Using a spatula or a spoon, dollop frosting onto the warm rolls, letting it spread a little.
- If you prefer a more drizzled look, you could also thin the frosting with extra milk for a pourable consistency.
This will create a delightful layer of gooey frosting that seeps into every nook and cranny of the rolls! Enjoy!
Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons red or pink velvet cake mix powder or red food coloring (adjust for pink hue)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons 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, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- A few drops red or pink food coloring or use some pink velvet cake mix powder for color
Optional Topping:
- Pink sprinkles or colored sugar crystals
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 2-3 hours including rising and baking time. You’ll spend time mixing the dough, allowing it to rise, and baking the rolls. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is ready to work its magic!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and the pink velvet cake mix powder or red food coloring. Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands!
4. Knead the Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for about 6-7 minutes.
5. First Rise:
Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. Patience pays off!
6. Prepare Filling:
Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will create a deliciously sweet filling!
7. Roll Out Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches (40×30 cm).
8. Add Filling:
Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the rolled-out dough. Make sure to cover it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor!
9. Form Rolls:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife.
10. Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, leaving some space between each one. Cover and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the rolls finish rising!
12. Bake:
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
13. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. Mix until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
14. Frost Rolls:
When the rolls are warm (but not too hot), spread or drizzle the pink frosting generously over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the rolls.
15. Garnish:
Sprinkle your pink sprinkles or colored sugar crystals on top for an extra festive look!
16. Serve:
Enjoy these pink velvet cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a sweet treat.
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These pink velvet cinnamon rolls have a soft, fluffy consistency infused with a delicate pink hue. Their sweet cinnamon filling and luscious pink cream cheese frosting make them perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a pretty, tasty treat. Enjoy the delightful taste and the smiles they bring!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the rolls a rich flavor, you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk of your choice. Just ensure it’s warmed to the right temperature before adding it to the yeast!
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to regain that fresh-baked feeling!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before continuing with the rising and baking steps.
What If I Don’t Have Pink Velvet Cake Mix?
No worries! You can use red food coloring to achieve the pink hue or incorporate a small amount of cocoa powder for a slight chocolate flavor while keeping the color. Adjust the quantity according to the shade you desire!