Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Pink Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home. With their soft, fluffy texture and delightful pink hue, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Made with a standard size white cake mix and enhanced with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, this recipe combines convenience with homemade goodness. Let’s dive into how to make these beautiful rolls that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe is reliable because it combines a cake mix with yeast, which allows for a soft and fluffy texture that’s often hard to achieve with traditional cinnamon roll recipes. The use of pink food coloring not only adds a fun twist but also makes these rolls visually appealing. They are easy enough for beginners while still providing a delightful experience for more seasoned bakers. Plus, the steps are straightforward and the ingredients are easy to find, ensuring that your baking experience is enjoyable and successful.
What Goes Into Pink Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 box standard size white cake mix – This serves as the base for the dough, adding sweetness and moisture.
- 2 packages of dry yeast – Essential for leavening the dough and giving the rolls their fluffy texture.
- 2 tsp pink food coloring – Adds a vibrant pop of color to your rolls.
- 2 1/2 cups of warm water – Activates the yeast and helps in creating a soft dough.
- 1 tsp vanilla – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 5 cups flour – The main structure of the rolls, providing the necessary dough consistency.
- 2 cups sugar – Sweetens the dough and the filling.
- Cinnamon – The classic spice that gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.
- 1/2-1 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor, used in the dough and filling.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened – A key ingredient for the creamy frosting.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting) – Provides a base for the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting) – Adds flavor to the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon half and half (milk can be used) – Helps in achieving a creamy texture for the frosting.
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Tools of the Trade
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the dry ingredients and combine wet ingredients smoothly.
- Rolling pin – Essential for rolling out your dough evenly.
- Baking sheet – To bake your rolls in the oven.
- Parchment paper – Helps in easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Stand mixer (optional) – Makes mixing the dough easier, but a handheld mixer works fine too.
The Method for Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active. Next, add in the cake mix, vanilla, salt, and pink food coloring. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Add Flour
Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all 5 cups, so add flour until you achieve a soft, non-sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to create your filling. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Spread the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into equal pieces, about 1-2 inches thick.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet or a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, half and half, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously frosting them with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy your beautiful Pink Cinnamon Rolls!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Butter: Use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for a vegan cream cheese substitute.
- Milk: Use almond milk, soy milk, or any plant-based milk in place of half and half.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip letting the dough rise. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; overworking it can lead to tough rolls.
- Don’t rush the baking time; keep an eye on the rolls to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Don’t forget to let the rolls cool slightly before frosting; hot rolls can melt the frosting.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Pink Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Quick Questions
Can I make Pink Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have pink food coloring?
If you don’t have pink food coloring, you can use red, or simply leave them white for a classic cinnamon roll look. They’ll taste just as delightful!
Can I add fillings to the Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit to the filling for a unique twist on these Pink Cinnamon Rolls.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and should spring back when lightly pressed. You can also check the internal temperature; they should reach about 190°F (88°C).
Because You Liked This
- Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Holiday Brunch – An exciting twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
- Pumpkin Patch Pull Apart Cinnamon Rolls – Celebrate the fall season with these pumpkin-infused delights.
- Maple Glazed Donut Holes Baked – A sweet treat that’s both easy to make and irresistible.
The Last Word
Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful addition to any gathering and are sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who try them. The combination of fluffy, sweet dough with a creamy frosting creates a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create something wonderful in your kitchen!
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Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active. Next, add in the cake mix, vanilla, salt, and pink food coloring. Mix until combined.
- Step 2: Add Flour - Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all 5 cups, so add flour until you achieve a soft, non-sticky dough.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Prepare the Filling - While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to create your filling. Set aside.
- Step 5: Roll Out the Dough - Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 6: Assemble the Rolls - Spread the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into equal pieces, about 1-2 inches thick.
- Step 7: Second Rise - Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet or a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up.
- Step 8: Bake - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Step 9: Make the Frosting - While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, half and half, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 10: Frost and Serve - Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously frosting them with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy your beautiful Pink Cinnamon Rolls!
Notes
- For a lighter roll, be sure to allow the dough to rise properly.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
