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Homemade Pink Cinnamon Rolls photo

Pink Cinnamon Rolls

These Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat! Soft, fluffy rolls topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 1 box standard size white cake mix
  • 2 packages dry yeast
  • 2 tsp pink food coloring
  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • 1/2-1 cup butter, softened for dough and filling
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened for frosting
  • 1 tsp vanilla for frosting
  • 1 tbsp half and half (milk can be used)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt for frosting

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Stand mixer (optional)

Method
 

The Method for Pink Cinnamon Rolls
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.