These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on a classic treat! With a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet cream cheese glaze, they look as good as they taste.
Who knew breakfast could be this cute? I love serving these at brunch—everyone gets excited when they see the pink color. Plus, they’re super easy to make and even more delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast for better dough rise. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or oat milk. Both work well and won’t affect the flavor much.
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast is great if you have it, but stick with active dry yeast if that’s what you’ve got. Always check the expiration date! If you’re out, you can use instant yeast instead, just skip the foaming step.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and adds sweetness. You can swap it with coconut sugar or even honey, but note that honey might alter the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: This adds depth and the lovely pink color. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can omit it, but your rolls won’t be chocolate-flavored.
Red Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a richer hue. If you prefer a natural option, you could use beet juice for a pink tint, though the flavor will be different!
How Do I Get Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls?
The key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is in the dough preparation. Begin by allowing your yeast to activate fully—it should get bubbly and frothy. This shows it’s alive!
- After mixing your ingredients, knead the dough well. This builds gluten, giving the rolls structure. Go for 8-10 minutes of kneading on a floured surface.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. A warm, draft-free spot works best. Look for it to double in size, which takes about 1 hour.
- When you roll out the dough, ensure it’s a uniform thickness so all rolls cook evenly. A ruler helps if you’re measuring!
- The second rise after assembling is crucial too. This is when the dough puffs up and gets that airy texture. Don’t rush this step!
With these tips, your Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will turn out beautifully soft and delicious every time! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for subtle chocolate flavor and color)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red food coloring (adjust to desired pink intensity)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pink Velvet Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Pink or red food coloring, a few drops to enhance pink shade if needed
For Decoration:
- Pink and white sprinkles or colored sugar crystals
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation, plus 2 to 2.5 hours for rising and baking. Make sure to allow time for cooling and icing as well. In total, you’ll need roughly 3 hours, but the results are oh-so worth it!
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by warming your milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a small bowl, stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles up nicely! In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until well combined. Next, add the yeast mixture into this bowl and mix.
Eventually, start adding the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until you get a sticky dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare your filling! In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until you have a nice, spreadable mixture. Set this aside while you wait for the dough to rise.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough is all risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover every inch! Then, starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut this log into 9 equal slices (approximately 1.5 inches each) and arrange them spaced apart in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover the rolls and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they look puffy and happy!
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Pink Velvet Icing:
For the icing, beat together the cream cheese and butter until it’s fluffy and creamy! Slowly add in the sifted powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Don’t forget to add a drop or two of food coloring, too, to make it pop!
6. Decorate and Serve:
Generously drizzle that beautiful pink icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top them off with pink and white sprinkles for some extra flair! Serve them warm and watch everyone fall in love with the delightful pink velvet cinnamon rolls!
Enjoy a soft, sweet treat that’s sure to be a hit at any occasion! Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but your rolls may be denser. To keep them fluffy, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a better texture.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Vegan?
To make these rolls vegan, use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, replace the butter with a vegan alternative, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Absolutely! After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and shaping the rolls.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving!
