These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on the classic treat! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon goodness, they are frosted with a lovely pink icing that makes them extra special.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a sweet breakfast that looks this cute? I love to make these for special mornings. They’re a hit with everyone, and the smiles they bring are just as sweet as the rolls! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is perfect for the dough’s structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also mix in a bit of almond flour for added flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use it instead, just skip the blooming step as it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal because you can control the salt content. You can use coconut oil or margarine as a dairy-free alternative, which still adds richness to the rolls.
Cocoa Powder: This gives the dough a slight chocolate taste and helps achieve that lovely pink hue. If you’re looking for color without chocolate flavor, skip the cocoa and use more food coloring instead!
Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a vibrant pink. If you prefer natural alternatives, try beet juice or pomegranate juice for a beautiful color without artificial additives.
How Do I Properly Knead Dough for Cinnamon Rolls?
Kneading dough is essential for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their delightful structure. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you knead.
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back in half towards you.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
- If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t rush this step! Proper kneading will help your rolls rise beautifully.
What’s the Best Way to Frost and Decorate My Cinnamon Rolls?
Frosting should be done when the rolls are still warm but not hot. This allows the frosting to melt into the rolls slightly, creating a wonderful creamy layer. Here’s how to frost perfectly:
- Whip the frosting until it’s fluffy and smooth. This will help it spread easily.
- Use a spatula to dollop generous amounts of frosting on each roll.
- Let the frosting run over the sides for an appealing look.
- For decorations, sprinkle right after frosting for a vibrant touch! Use colorful sprinkles or edible flower petals for a fun and festive feel.
This finishing touch not only enhances the appearance but adds extra sweetness to every bite!
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for pink velvet color base)
- Red or pink gel food coloring (to enhance pink color)
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tsp red or pink gel food coloring (optional, for color)
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
- 2-3 tsp milk or cream
- Red or pink gel food coloring to achieve desired pink shade
For Topping:
- Pink and white sprinkles or edible flower petals, as decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising times! You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing and mixing, then let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, and finally bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough Starter:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of flour, cocoa powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir to mix everything nicely.
3. Create the Dough:
Add the yeast mixture, warmed milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix it all together until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
Gradually add in the remaining flour (about 1 cup), kneading the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer. Keep kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, which should take about 8-10 minutes. It should feel slightly sticky but still manageable.
5. Rise the Dough:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, and optional pink coloring until everything is well combined and spreadable.
7. Roll the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
8. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover every area.
9. Shape the Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 equal slices, about 1.5 inches thick.
10. Second Proofing:
Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up a bit.
11. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re lightly golden. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
12. Prepare the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until it’s creamy and fluffy. Add pink food coloring a little at a time until you reach your desired shade of pink.
13. Frost and Decorate:
Spread the pink cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. To finish, sprinkle some pink and white sprinkles or edible flower petals on top for a fun and festive look!
14. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your warm, soft Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with family or friends. These sweet treats are sure to impress with their beautiful color and delicious taste!
These rolls are soft, visually stunning with their pink velvet hue, and taste heavenly with a classic cinnamon-sugar swirl and a creamy pink frosting that makes every bite special.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter roll while still adding some whole grain goodness.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, first check the yeast. Make sure it’s fresh and active by seeing if it foams when dissolved in warm water. Additionally, ensure your rising environment is warm; if it’s too cold, the dough will take longer to rise or may not rise at all. You can try putting it in a warm oven (turned off) or near a warm stove.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week if you prefer. Just be sure to reheat them gently in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
