Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Are you ready for a sweet surprise?

Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that not only taste like heaven but look like a dream. This recipe takes your morning routine from ordinary to extraordinary, giving you that lovely pink hue and a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls. If you’ve ever wanted to impress your brunch guests—or just treat yourself—this might be your new secret weapon!

Why make this recipe

So, why should you whip these up? Well, first off, they are super easy to make, even if your baking skills are more "toddler with a crayon" than "expert chef." Second, they’re totally Instagram-worthy with their lovely pink color, making them perfect for a special occasion or just a Tuesday. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to start their day with something so decadent?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring
• Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
• Cinnamon (for filling)
• Sugar (for filling)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring to the yeast mixture, then stir it into the dry ingredients.
4. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
6. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
7. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, and pour heavy cream over them before baking.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
9. Let cool slightly and top with cream cheese frosting before serving.

How to make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Overview)

Creating these delightful rolls is as straightforward as it sounds! Start by activating the yeast with warm milk, which helps the dough rise beautifully. Mix your dry ingredients, fold everything together, and don’t shy away from kneading! Once you’ve shaped the dough, spread it with melted butter and sprinkle that glorious cinnamon-sugar mix. Roll, slice, and let those beauties bake! Pro tip: Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking gives them an extra creamy texture. Yum!

How to serve Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Once those rolls are out of the oven, the aroma alone will have everyone dancing toward the kitchen! Serve them warm, decorated with swirls of luscious cream cheese frosting. Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy hot chocolate to make it an indulgent experience. The vibrant pink color is not just pretty; it adds a fun twist to your table, making every bite feel like a treat.

How to store Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck with that), these rolls can be stored in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Thinking of prepping ahead? You can even freeze them for up to 2 months! Just thaw overnight and reheat them in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Tips to make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t rush the rising—give that dough time to get fluffy!
• Comparable alternatives: If you want a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour or almond flour.
• Glaze it your way: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, a simple lemon glaze could add a nice zing!
• Want extra features? Throw in some chocolate chips or walnuts for an unexpected crunch.
• If it’s a cozy day, try adding a little nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar filling!

Variation

Want to mix things up? Try swapping the cocoa powder for matcha to create a beautiful green version, or simply skip the coloring for classic cinnamon rolls. You could even make them vegan by replacing the milk with almond milk, the butter with coconut oil, and omitting the egg! Why limit yourself?

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the frothing step. It’ll save you some time!

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or even milk, though the texture might not be as creamy.

3. Can I freeze Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
   Absolutely! Store them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for around 2 months. Just reheat in the oven for best results.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy and visually stunning, these Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for brunch or any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast Can substitute with instant yeast.
• 1/2 cup warm milk For activating the yeast.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream For pouring over the rolls before baking.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted Used in the dough and for spreading.
• 1 large egg Room temperature.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
• Red food coloring Amount to achieve desired hue.

Filling Ingredients

• cinnamon For filling.
• sugar For filling.

Topping Ingredients

• cream cheese frosting For topping rolls.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring to the yeast mixture, then stir it into the dry ingredients.
4. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Rolling and Baking

1. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape.
2. Spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
3. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
4. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, and pour heavy cream over them before baking.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
6. Let cool slightly and top with cream cheese frosting before serving.

Notes

Don’t rush the rising—give that dough time to get fluffy! Can replace cocoa powder with matcha for a green version, or skip coloring for classic rolls. For vegan options, substitute milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and omit the egg.