Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze are a fun and festive twist on the classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. These soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls are infused with a hint of pink coloring (from food dye or naturally from beet juice) and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. After baking, they are drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a creamy, sweet finish to each roll, making them irresistible.
I first made Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze when I wanted to make breakfast extra special for a celebration. The pink color added a fun, whimsical touch, and the rolls were as delicious as they were beautiful. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make the rolls from scratch, but you can also use pre-made dough for a quicker option. The vanilla glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of sweetness to the cinnamon rolls. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these pink cinnamon rolls will brighten up any occasion!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Special occasions
- Holiday mornings
- Dessert lovers
- Lovers of pink and cinnamon
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze will become your favorite indulgence:
- Vibrant and Fun: The pink hue adds a fun twist, perfect for special celebrations or simply brightening up your morning.
- Fluffy and Soft: The dough is incredibly soft and pillowy, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rich Cinnamon Filling: The warm cinnamon-sugar filling is swirled inside the dough for a perfectly spiced treat.
- Creamy Vanilla Glaze: The sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top adds a smooth, creamy finish to each roll.
- Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and includes step-by-step instructions for easy preparation.
- Customizable Color: Adjust the intensity of the pink color for a more subtle or bold effect, depending on your preference.
- Perfect for Occasions: These rolls make a gorgeous addition to birthday breakfasts or holiday celebrations.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning, saving time.
- A Visual Showstopper: Their pretty pink color makes these cinnamon rolls a standout dessert or breakfast item.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love both the fun color and the delicious taste of these cinnamon rolls.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 hours
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, adjust for desired color)
The Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: Adds the perfect pink hue to the cinnamon rolls for a fun, festive look.
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the rolls rise perfectly, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Provides the warm, comforting flavor in the center of each roll.
- Vanilla Glaze: A smooth, sweet topping that complements the cinnamon rolls’ flavor perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using).
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Prepare the Butter: Soften the butter and set aside to spread over the dough once rolled out.
Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange in a Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.
- Let it Rise Again: Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze:
- As a Breakfast Treat: Serve these rolls as part of a festive breakfast or brunch.
- For a Sweet Snack: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate as an afternoon treat.
- For Special Occasions: These rolls are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for something special.
- With a Side of Fresh Fruit: Serve with berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- As a Dessert: Serve these rolls with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- At a Party: These rolls are a showstopper at any celebration and will wow your guests.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite warm beverage for a comforting experience.
- For Holiday Mornings: They make a fun and festive addition to Christmas or Easter breakfast spreads.
- As a Gift: Box these cinnamon rolls up for a delicious homemade gift.
- For Brunch: Serve with savory dishes like eggs and bacon for a well-rounded brunch spread.
Additional Tips
- Let Dough Rise Fully: Ensure the dough is fully risen before baking for the best texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother dough and filling.
- Adjust the Pink Color: Add more or less food coloring to the dough depending on your preferred pink shade.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch closely while baking to avoid the rolls becoming too dry.
- Let Rolls Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Recipe Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the vanilla glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting for an even more decadent treat.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple-flavored glaze for a fall-inspired twist.
- Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Turn the dough into individual muffins for a fun, portable breakfast.
- Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of raspberry jam for a fruity filling.
- Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and milk substitutes for a dairy-free version.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey variation.
- Caramelized Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Add sliced bananas to the filling for a tropical twist.
Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the rolls evenly and ensuring a beautiful shape.
- Electric Mixer: Optional for mixing the dough quickly.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Pastry Brush: For spreading butter evenly over the dough.
- Whisk: To make the glaze smooth and lump-free.
- Clean Cloth: To cover the dough while it rises.
FAQ Section
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the rolls will have a denser texture. You may need to adjust the liquid. - Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before baking. - How long do these rolls last?
These rolls are best eaten within 2-3 days, but you can store them in an airtight container. - Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze the baked rolls without glaze. When ready to serve, reheat and drizzle with glaze. - What can I use instead of red food coloring?
You can use beet juice or raspberry puree for a natural pink hue. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. - How do I prevent the glaze from running off the rolls?
Wait for the rolls to cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets better. - Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness. - Can I add other spices to the filling?
Yes, feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth of flavor. - What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the dough without squashing it.
Conclusion
Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze are a fun, delicious, and visually stunning twist on a classic favorite. With their soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, these rolls are sure to become a cherished part of your breakfast or dessert repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for sharing and savoring with loved ones.