Delicious pink velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese icing

Why Make This Recipe

Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are also a feast for the eyes! The beautiful pink hue and rich flavors make these rolls perfect for special occasions or a delightful breakfast. With a touch of cream cheese and cinnamon, every bite is soft, sweet, and satisfying. Making these rolls at home will give you a comforting feeling and the joy of serving something truly unique.

How to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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 milk, warm
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Pink food coloring (optional)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt.
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. If you want your rolls pink, add food coloring.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, kneading until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened cream cheese on top and sprinkle it with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into rolls.
Place the rolls in a baking pan and pour heavy cream over them.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar with milk and drizzle it over the warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these delightful rolls warm, drizzled with the creamy frosting. They make a perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious treat.

How to Store Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To store any leftover rolls, let them cool completely. Then, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth to get fluffy rolls.
If you want more pink color, add additional food coloring, but start with a small amount.
You can adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar.

Variation

For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cinnamon sugar filling. This will add different flavors and textures to your rolls.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it in warm milk for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the dough.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it with more all-purpose flour. Just use 3 cups of all-purpose flour instead of a mix with cake flour.