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Freshly baked pink velvet cinnamon rolls artfully arranged.

Classic Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in these delightful Classic Pink Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, vibrantly pink dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • wooden spoon or dough hook
  • baking pan
  • plastic wrap
  • rolling pin
  • sharp knife or dental floss
  • medium bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.5 cup warm milk
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
  • large egg
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2.5-3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-processed
  • Red food coloring gel works best for vibrant color

For the Pink Cinnamon Filling

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon red food coloring optional, but enhances the pink

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream as needed for consistency

Instructions
 

Dough Preparation

  • Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar in warm milk, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate.
  • Whisk in the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined and evenly colored.
  • Combine 2 ½ cups flour, salt, and cocoa powder; gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if needed, until smooth and elastic.
  • Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough in it turning to coat, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.

Filling and Assembly

  • While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional red food coloring, mixing until smooth.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  • Evenly spread the pink cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the opposite long edge, pinch the seam closed, and slice into 12 equal 1 ½-inch thick rolls.
  • Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Baking and Glazing

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
  • While rolls cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to the glaze until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
  • Generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the rolls after they have cooled for 5-10 minutes, then serve and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, ensure your milk is at the correct temperature for activating the yeast. When kneading, avoid adding too much flour as it can make the rolls dry. A stand mixer with a dough hook can make the kneading process easier. If you don't have a warm place for rising, a slightly warm oven (turned off) can work well. Adjust red food coloring to achieve your desired pink hue for both the dough and the filling. Enjoy these delicious pink velvet cinnamon rolls warm!