These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and oh-so-fun to eat! With a delightful pink dough swirled with cinnamon and topped with cream cheese frosting, they’re a treat for your eyes and taste buds.
Every bite is like a hug from your oven! I love making these for special breakfast moments or cozy weekend treats. They smell amazing and taste even better—who can resist a fun roll like this?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, I usually stick to all-purpose flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend can be a good substitute. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise! If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio—no need to activate it first.
Whole Milk: This adds moisture and richness to the dough. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or coconut milk; just use unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balance.
Pink Food Coloring: The choice of food coloring makes these rolls stand out. You can use gel or liquid food coloring. For a natural approach, beet juice works well, but it might alter the taste slightly.
Cinnamon: A must-have for that classic flavor! In a pinch, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute, which adds a different but still delightful taste.
How Do I Knead Dough for Perfect Rolls?
Kneading dough may seem tricky, but it’s key for developing that soft texture in your cinnamon rolls. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a lightly floured surface and place the dough on it. Gather any flour from the edges into the dough.
- Flatten the dough slightly with your palm, then fold it in half and push down with the heel of your hand.
- Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the folding and pushing process. Do this for about 8-10 minutes.
- The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Be patient! Perfect dough results in soft rolls that rise beautifully.
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 warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for slight richness)
- Pink food coloring (adjust amount for desired shade)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Pink Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz (110g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
- Pink food coloring
- Pink and white sprinkles or crushed candy decorations for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 2 hours total for rising, plus 25 minutes to bake. You’ll enjoy the delightful process of making these fluffy rolls that are perfect for any special occasion—or just because!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is good to go!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of the flour with sugar, salt, cocoa powder (if using), and pink food coloring. Make sure to stir well so everything is evenly mixed and the color is distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast-milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
4. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in some extra flour as needed. When done, the dough should be soft but not sticky!
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size. This should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
6. Making the Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and combined. Set it aside until the dough is ready.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches in size.
8. Spread the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover all of it!
9. Roll Up the Dough:
Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 10-12 equal pieces.
10. Second Rise:
Place the roll slices cut side up in a greased baking dish or pan. Cover and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
11. Preheat & Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fully cooked.
12. Make the Icing:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and enough milk to get a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
13. Drizzle & Garnish:
When the rolls are done, cool them for about 5-10 minutes, then drizzle the pink cream cheese icing generously on top. Add pretty pink and white sprinkles or crushed candy decorations for that extra fun touch!
14. Serve & Enjoy:
These pink velvet cinnamon rolls are best served warm. Enjoy the soft, sweet goodness with family or friends, making every bite a delightful moment!
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just treating yourself—these adorable rolls are a joy to make and even better to eat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. You might need to add a bit more liquid since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Pink Food Coloring?
No problem! You can use any food coloring you have on hand, or for a natural option, try beet juice for a lovely pink hue. Just be mindful that it may slightly change the flavor.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking to get that fluffy texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven until heated through.
