Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With a subtle cocoa flavor and a gorgeous pink hue, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add pink food coloring if you want a vibrant pink color.
3. Step 3: Combine the wet and dry ingredients, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 60 minutes.
5. Step 5: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into individual rolls.
7. Step 7: Place the rolls in a baking pan and pour the heavy cream over them to keep them moist while baking.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
9. Step 9: For the frosting, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use cake flour for a softer crumb and a more tender roll.
• Add a few drops of pink food coloring to the dough for a festive look.
• Substitute cream cheese filling with Nutella or fruit jam for a different flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker frosting, add less milk or beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar before spreading.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

What can I use instead of cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour but remove 2 tablespoons per cup of flour and replace with cornstarch to keep the texture light.

Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.4 from 71 reviews

Indulge in these delightful Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a tender and slightly chocolatey dough with a luscious cinnamon-sugar and cream cheese filling. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and optional pink food coloring for a festive touch, these rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or sweet treat any time of day.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Filling Ingredients

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Topping Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the characteristic pink hue of the dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring and then kneading by hand or with a stand mixer until a smooth, elastic dough forms. This should take about 8-10 minutes of kneading.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which will take approximately 60 minutes.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
7. Fill and Roll: Spread the cream cheese and brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the dough rectangle. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
8. Slice the Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized cinnamon rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
9. Arrange and Add Cream: Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving slight gaps for expansion. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream evenly over the top of the rolls to keep them moist during baking.
10. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
11. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable, adjusting milk quantity for desired consistency.
12. Frost and Serve: Drizzle the powdered sugar frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Serve these cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooled rolls individually wrapped and thaw gently before reheating.
• If pink coloring is not desired, omit it and enjoy a subtle pink cocoa color.
• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast to avoid killing it.

Keywords: Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, pink cinnamon rolls, cream cheese filled rolls, breakfast pastry