These Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on a breakfast favorite! Soft and fluffy, each roll is filled with sweet cinnamon and topped with creamy pink icing. Yum!
Who knew breakfast could get this colorful? I love how these rolls brighten up my mornings and make everyone smile. Treat yourself, or share them for an extra dose of happiness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for the dough, but you can try bread flour for an even fluffier roll. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a good substitute to make these treats suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is great for this recipe. If you have instant yeast on hand, use it directly without proofing in warm milk. You’ll need about 1/2 teaspoon less since instant yeast is more potent.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but any milk will do! Use almond, oat, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Just warm it to about 110°F/43°C before adding yeast.
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard for baking, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil if preferred. This would change the flavor slightly, but it’s a great alternative for vegan diets.
Pink Velvet Cake Mix: If you can’t find the pink velvet mix, a red velvet or regular vanilla cake mix can work too. It will alter the color and taste a bit, but will still be delicious!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Texture?
The dough is crucial for soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Follow these steps for great texture:
- Gradually add flour until the dough is soft yet slightly sticky—aim for a smooth, elastic feel when kneading.
- Knead for about 7-10 minutes. If the dough sticks too much, add a little flour, but avoid over-flouring as that can make the rolls too dense.
- Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. A cozy spot like in the oven (turned off) with just the light on works well!
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp pink velvet cake mix or red velvet cake mix (for the pink color and mild flavor)
- 1 tbsp beet juice or a few drops of red food coloring (optional, for more vibrant pink color)
For The Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp pink velvet cake mix or red velvet cake mix (optional, for flavor)
For The Pink Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of red food coloring or beet juice (to create pink color)
For Topping:
- Crushed pink candy or sprinkles (such as pink chocolate flakes, white chocolate chips, freeze-dried raspberries crushed, or confectionery sprinkles)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend around 30 minutes on preparation and 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. After that, about 45 minutes for rolling, shaping, baking, and glazing, and then you can serve them warm right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This means your yeast is active! Then add sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, pink velvet cake mix (or red velvet mix), beet juice or food coloring (if using), salt, and about 3 cups of flour. Stir until a dough forms, and gradually add more flour as needed to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Dust your counter with a bit of flour and knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a great workout! Once done, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pink velvet cake mix until well combined. This will give your rolls a delicious cinnamon sweetness!
4. Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle of about 16×12 inches. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough deliciously!
5. Shape the Rolls:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 9 equal pieces, each about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased pink or light-colored baking pan, leaving some space between them for rising.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again until they double in size, which takes about 30-45 minutes. While they are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake:
When the rolls have risen, pop them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
8. Prepare the Pink Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and food coloring or beet juice until smooth. You want it to be liquefiable enough to drizzle!
9. Glaze and Garnish:
Generously drizzle the pink glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle crushed pink candy pieces or sprinkles over the glaze for a pretty finishing touch!
10. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your pink velvet cinnamon rolls warm, soaking in that cozy, sweet flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion—enjoy every fluffy, colorful bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk provides richness, any milk will work well. Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. Just remember to warm it to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
What If I Don’t Have Pink Velvet Cake Mix?
No problem! If pink velvet cake mix isn’t available, you can substitute it with red velvet cake mix or plain vanilla cake mix. It may slightly alter the flavor and color, but your rolls will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Freeze the Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze these cinnamon rolls! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for optimal taste!