Nothing beats the comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and feature a delightful pop of pink. These Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion that calls for a little indulgence. The soft, buttery dough is swirled with a warm, aromatic cinnamon filling, then topped with a vibrant pink glaze that adds a fun and festive touch. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply to brighten your day, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in the gorgeous color but also in the texture of the rolls, which are light, fluffy, and melt in your mouth with every bite. The sweetness of the vanilla glaze perfectly complements the cinnamon filling, creating the ideal balance of flavors. This recipe is simple to follow, with clear instructions that will guide you step by step, so even novice bakers can create these decadent rolls with ease. Let’s dive into the recipe and make these beautiful Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fun and Festive
The striking pink color makes these cinnamon rolls a fun addition to any occasion, especially for holidays, birthdays, or baby showers. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
2. Soft and Fluffy Texture
These cinnamon rolls have a light and airy texture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The dough is soft, buttery, and perfectly risen.
3. Delicious Cinnamon Filling
The warm cinnamon filling is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, creating a comforting and aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla glaze.
4. Easy-to-Follow Instructions
The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, so you can bake a batch of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls without any hassle.
5. Customizable Glaze
While the pink vanilla glaze is gorgeous, you can easily swap it for different flavors or colors to suit your tastes or the theme of the occasion.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Milk
- Eggs
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- Milk or heavy cream (for the glaze)
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for the glaze)
Variations
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for a decadent twist on these classic rolls.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of vanilla glaze, use a maple glaze for a rich, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon Raisin Rolls: Add raisins to the cinnamon filling for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm. Remove from heat and add the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture, then mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 6: Arrange the Rolls
Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close together. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes.
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring if you’re making pink cinnamon rolls. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Make sure the milk is only lukewarm (around 110°F or 43°C), as hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just enough to bring it together. Overworking the dough can make the rolls dense.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cinnamon rolls as they bake to avoid overbaking. The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just shape and bake the rolls.
- Glaze Options: Experiment with different glaze flavors, such as almond or maple, for a unique twist.
How to Serve
These Pink Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. They can be served as a centerpiece for a holiday breakfast or as a special treat for a birthday. Pair them with coffee, milk, or a hot cup of tea for a comforting experience. These rolls are also a great addition to a dessert table at any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If you have glazed rolls, be sure to store them with parchment paper between layers to avoid the glaze sticking to each other.
Freezing
To freeze the cinnamon rolls, bake them as usual, then allow them to cool completely. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before glazing.
Reheating
To reheat cinnamon rolls, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
2. How do I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bake them in the morning.
4. How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from getting too dry?
Make sure to not overbake the rolls. The center should still be soft and fluffy. If they seem dry, try adding a little more milk or butter to the dough next time.
5. Can I add nuts or fruit to the filling?
Yes! You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits like raisins, to the cinnamon filling for extra flavor and texture.
6. Can I make the glaze a different color?
Yes! You can change the color of the glaze by adding different food coloring to match your theme.
7. How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed within 2–3 days but can last longer if stored properly.
8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Shape the rolls and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze. After they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them directly from frozen, but add a few extra minutes of baking time.
9. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make the dough by hand. Just mix the ingredients, knead the dough, and follow the steps as usual.
10. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes! You can substitute the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze, maple glaze, or even a chocolate glaze for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and sweet, aromatic cinnamon filling, all topped off with a fun and festive pink glaze. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast, birthday brunch, or simply as a sweet treat, these rolls are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection!
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Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze are the ultimate sweet treat! Soft, fluffy, and packed with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, these rolls are elevated with a fun pink hue and a sweet, smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 drops red food coloring (for the pink hue)
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add food coloring, if desired, to achieve the pink hue.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner glaze if desired.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top while the rolls are still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious pink cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience!
Notes
- You can use food coloring to adjust the shade of pink to your preference.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American