Ever encountered a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day? Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are that warm embrace you didn’t know you needed! With their soft, pillowy texture and delightful swirls of cinnamon, these rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick afternoon treat. Plus, they’re not just pretty in pink; they’re also super easy to whip up! Ready to brighten your baking game? Let’s dive in!
Why Make This Recipe
You might ask, “Why should I make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?” Well, for starters, they are incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a pastry chef degree to nail this one! They also pack a fun visual punch that’s sure to impress friends and family. Let’s be real—who wouldn’t want to dig into a gorgeous roll that looks as good as it tastes? 😂 Plus, the cleanup is minimal, so you can spend more time enjoying your treat and less time scrubbing pans.
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
Here’s how to turn those ingredients into a delicious reality:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring to the yeast mixture, then stir it into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and pour heavy cream over them before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly and top with cream cheese frosting before serving.
How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Overview)
Making these rolls is a straightforward process! First, you start by waking up the yeast in warm milk—think of it as giving the dough a little pep talk. Then, you mix together the dry ingredients like flour and cocoa for that rich chocolatey flavor. Once your dough rises and gets all bubbly, roll it out, spread that lovely melted butter, and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar like it’s confetti! After twisting and cutting the rolls, just let the oven do its magic. Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the cream—it makes the rolls incredibly moist!
How to Serve Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
When it comes to serving these beauties, the sky’s the limit! Imagine drizzling warm, creamy frosting over each roll, allowing it to drip delightfully down the sides. You can serve these with a side of fresh strawberries for a lovely contrast or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. The vibrant pink color pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, making it a treat for both the eyes and taste buds. Who could resist that?
How to Store Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! Just warm them up in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to devour. Bonus tip: Assemble but don’t bake them! Freeze the unbaked rolls, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready—homemade goodness at your fingertips!
Tips to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Here are some tricks to elevate your cinnamon roll game:
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly!
- If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, add a dash more cocoa powder.
- Don’t stress about the rolling; even imperfect rolls taste amazing. They’re just “rustic”!
- Consider using almond extract instead of vanilla for a fun twist.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some colored sugar on top!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips to the filling for an extra gooey treat. You could also make these rolls vegan by using almond milk, a flax egg, and vegan butter. Who said indulgence can’t be guilt-free?
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You could use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative, just know it might affect the moisture level slightly.
How do I prevent my rolls from getting too dry?
Make sure not to overbake them! Keeping an eye on them as they bake will ensure perfect, delicious rolls.
Feeling inspired to bake some love into pink velvet cinnamon rolls? Dive right in and make this crowd-pleaser your own!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring to the yeast mixture, then stir it into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and pour heavy cream over them before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly and top with cream cheese frosting before serving.
