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
Scale
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