If you’re ready to turn a classic into a show-stopper, Pink Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Delightfully fluffy, gorgeously tinged with a sweet blush, and infamously irresistible, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you’re craving something both beautiful and delicious. From their tender, buttery dough to the vibrant pink glaze drizzled on top, every bite is a celebration of fun flavors and feel-good comfort. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to brighten your family’s weekend, these homemade Pink Cinnamon Rolls are sure to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Pink Cinnamon Rolls is refreshingly simple but thoughtfully chosen—each one plays a starring role in creating soft, pillowy rolls and that signature pink swirl. Best of all, you likely have most of these items right in your kitchen already, ready to work magic in just a couple of hours!
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your rolls, giving them just the right structure for pillowy softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast: The secret behind those beautifully airy, risen rolls.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dough.
- Whole milk, warmed: Makes the dough extra tender and rich—don’t skip the warming step for best results.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Warm water: Helps bring the dough together and also provides a warm environment for the yeast to thrive.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a lovely depth and warmth to every layer.
- Unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes spreading the filling easy and ensures the spiral stays moist.
- Brown sugar: Creates a gooey, caramelized swirl in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—expect deliciously fragrant, cozy flavors throughout.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Just a drop transforms your cinnamon rolls into a festive treat—adjust for your preferred shade.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the luscious pink glaze that cloaks these rolls.
- Milk: Brings the glaze together and ensures it’s pourably smooth.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Ties in creamy, aromatic notes into the finishing touch.
- Pink food coloring (for glaze): For that irresistible blush-pink drizzle—totally customizable.
How to Make Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start your Pink Cinnamon Rolls adventure by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, warm water, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are nicely blended. Gradually add the rest of the flour until everything comes together in a soft, elastic ball. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky—a sign that gluten is forming perfectly for fluffy results.
Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes. With each push and pull, you’re developing texture and strength for the rolls. Once smooth, pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. When it’s doubled in size, you’ll know it’s ready to become something special.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Roll out the dough into a 15×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter all over—it’ll act as the glue for your filling. Then, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a drop of pink food coloring until the whole mixture is tinged pink and evenly mixed. This is the magic: Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture generously across the buttered dough, covering every inch for a swirl in every bite!
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
From the long side, roll your dough up as tightly as you can—think of creating a neat, beautiful spiral. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls. Place your rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with a little space between them. Cover and let them puff up again for 30 minutes so they’ll bake up beautifully soft and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the baking dish in and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until your Pink Cinnamon Rolls are golden brown and the kitchen smells like absolute heaven. The anticipation is real—the tops should look shiny and golden, while the inside will stay gooey and soft.
Step 6: Whip Up the Pink Glaze
While the rolls cool ever so slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and 1–2 drops of pink food coloring for a pastel glaze. You can adjust the milk and food coloring for your ideal consistency and shade. Once smooth, lavishly drizzle (or spread, if you prefer) the glaze over the warm rolls. Watch it melt into the spirals for an irresistibly pretty finish!
How to Serve Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Add a final, eye-catching touch to your rolls by sprinkling them with a pinch of freeze-dried strawberries or edible flower petals for an extra pop of color. A tiny dusting of powdered sugar or a twist of lemon zest can also elevate both the look and the flavor, creating a bakery-worthy platter right in your own kitchen.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pink Cinnamon Rolls alongside a big bowl of fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for balance. If you love a true brunch spread, pair them with scrambled eggs or a savory frittata for that unbeatable sweet-and-savory combination everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Pink Cinnamon Rolls in a circle on a cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece, or line them up in parchment cupcake wrappers for an easy grab-and-go treat. For birthdays, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day, add festive flags or pastel sprinkles. No matter the occasion, these pink beauties will bring smiles before the first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Pink Cinnamon Rolls soft and fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, the refrigerator will keep them moist for up to five days—just let them warm to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Pink Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Once fully baked and cooled, wrap them individually or as a batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
For freshly baked softness, reheat your rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds. If the glaze has firmed up, give it a quick whisk with a splash of milk before drizzling over the warmed rolls to recapture that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make Pink Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking. You’ll have warm, freshly baked rolls in no time.
Is there a way to make these rolls naturally pink?
You can add freeze-dried strawberry powder to both the filling and glaze for a natural pink tint and extra fruity flavor. Beet juice or pitaya powder are other fun, natural alternatives to classic food coloring!
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. There’s no need to proof it separately, so you can mix it right in with the flour. The dough’s rise time will also be a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it!
What other flavors can I add to personalize my Pink Cinnamon Rolls?
Try mixing in a handful of mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or a swirl of cream cheese in the filling for a fun twist. A drop of rose water or almond extract in the glaze can also take your rolls in a deliciously unexpected direction.
How do I keep the rolls from sticking together when baking?
Lightly grease your baking dish and make sure to leave a little space between each roll as they rise a second time. This helps each Pink Cinnamon Roll bake up fluffy and keeps them from sticking too tightly together, making it easier to serve perfect spirals.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason everyone falls in love at first bite with Pink Cinnamon Rolls—they’re a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds! The sweet swirl, the touch of color, and the aroma filling your kitchen make these homemade rolls especially memorable. Gather your ingredients, invite a little creativity, and let these rolls add a wonderful pop of joy to your next breakfast or brunch. Give them a try and see just how magical cinnamon rolls can be!
Print
Pink Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These pink cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. Soft, fluffy rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling, topped with a pretty pink glaze, they are perfect for a special brunch or a fun weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 drop pink food coloring (optional)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, warm water, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Filling and Rolling: Roll out the dough, spread with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, roll up, and cut into rolls.
- Baking: Place rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and pink food coloring. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pink food coloring for desired hue.
- Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the filling for extra flavor and natural pink tint.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
