These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on breakfast treats! Soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with cinnamon and topped with pink cream cheese frosting. Yummy!
They’re perfect for a special morning or a cozy brunch with friends. Trust me, even the pink color will make you smile! I love enjoying them warm right out of the oven! 💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the rolls rise. If you’re out, you could use instant yeast instead; they both work well, but instant yeast may not need to be dissolved first.
Whole Milk: Warm whole milk adds richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, almond milk or oat milk can be great substitutes. Just make sure they’re warm for the yeast to activate!
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer a lighter option, use coconut oil in a slightly reduced amount for a subtle flavor change.
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This adds not just color but also flavor. If you want to skip it, using a little cocoa powder along with red food coloring can achieve a similar effect.
How Can I Make Sure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
The key to a fluffy cinnamon roll is how well your dough rises. Here are some tips:
- Use a warm, draft-free place for rising; an oven preheated for a minute and then turned off is perfect!
- Your yeast should bubbly and smell yeasty after activating. If not, it may be old.
- When the dough has doubled, it’s time to punch it down gently to release air before rolling.
Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons red velvet cake mix (optional for pink tint and flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Pink Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin as needed)
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring
- Pink and white sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 2 to 2.5 hours total if you include rising time and baking, plus a few minutes to cool down and frost. Let’s get rolling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is working!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs together with the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Make the Dough:
Add the red velvet cake mix if you’re using it, and then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable. If needed, add a little extra flour for handling.
4. Knead the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps build the gluten for a fluffy roll!
5. Let it Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This is what you’ll spread on the dough!
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
8. Add the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one edge. This little edge will help seal the roll!
9. Roll It Up:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, making it tight but not too tight! Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
10. Cut the Rolls:
Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, or a dish lined with parchment paper.
11. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again until they’re almost doubled, which takes about 30-45 minutes.
12. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake:
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
14. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired spreading consistency. Don’t forget the food coloring!
15. Frost the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), spread the pink cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each roll.
16. Decorate:
Add some fun pink and white sprinkles on top for that extra special touch!
17. Serve and Enjoy:
These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the rolls denser. If you want to maintain the softness, consider using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Can I Make These Rolls Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let stand for a few minutes to thicken).
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to enjoy them warm again!
What If I Don’t Have Pink Food Coloring?
No worries! You can use red food coloring and mix it with a bit of white to achieve a light pink shade. Alternatively, you could even leave it uncolored for a classic cream cheese frosting look!
