Intro
Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dish like my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or a sweet bake such as the Log Lemon Meringue Tart, I love creating recipes that make the house smell amazing and bring everyone together.
These Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are exactly that, soft, fluffy, and full of rosy charm. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, or simply to brighten an ordinary Sunday morning. The best part? They start with simple pantry ingredients and come together in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gorgeous color: Soft pink dough makes every roll photo-worthy and festive.
- Rich cream cheese icing: Smooth, tangy, and perfectly balanced sweetness.
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping mix and swirl the filling.
- Customizable: Change the color, add sprinkles, or fill with berries.
- Make-ahead option: Prep the rolls the night before and bake fresh.
- Great for gifting: They travel beautifully and look bakery-perfect.
- Freezer-friendly: Store baked or unbaked for a quick treat later.
Ingredients Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour
Gives the rolls their structure while keeping them soft. Bread flour works if you want extra chewiness.
Yeast
Instant yeast saves time and activates quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
Milk & Butter
Warm milk creates tender dough, while butter adds rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and plant butter.
Eggs
Add moisture and help the dough rise evenly. Room temperature eggs blend best.
Sugar & Cinnamon
The classic filling combo for cozy sweetness. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Pink Gel Food Coloring
Adds that beautiful blush hue. You can go bold or subtle depending on your mood.
Cream Cheese Icing
Softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, the dreamy finish that melts over warm rolls.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk (not hot) and stir in yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Add food coloring, then gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms. - Knead Until Smooth
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, adding flour as needed. You want it smooth but slightly tacky. - Let It Rise
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. - Roll It Out
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread the filling evenly to the edges. - Roll and Slice
Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 1½-inch pieces. Arrange in a greased baking pan. - Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. - Make the Icing
Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky. Spread over warm rolls for that perfect melt.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Color Options: Try lavender or pastel blue for themed brunches.
- Flavor Twist: Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries to the filling.
- High-Protein Option: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the icing mix.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
- Freezer Tip: Freeze unbaked rolls and thaw before baking for a fresh-from-the-oven result.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls shine on their own but pair beautifully with other SoolFood favorites:
- For a savory contrast, try Crispy Chicken Cutlets.
- Warm up your table with a bowl of Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder.
- End your brunch with a bright Log Lemon Meringue Tart for a citrusy finale.
- Or add them to a spread featuring Quick High Protein Breakfasts for balance.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap individually, freeze up to 2 months, and reheat as needed.
Helpful FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, refrigerated pizza or crescent dough works in a pinch, just add food coloring before rolling.
How do I get an even pink color?
Use gel food coloring, not liquid. Mix it into the wet ingredients for consistent color.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store covered in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before spreading.
Can I bake them in a muffin tin?
Yes! It gives individual portions with crisp edges and gooey centers.
Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing: A Sweet Morning Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft pink cinnamon rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy icing.
Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pink gel food coloring
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp softened butter (for filling)
Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let it foam for 10 minutes.
2. Mix butter, egg, and food coloring into yeast mixture.
3. Add flour and salt gradually to form soft dough.
4. Knead 5 minutes, cover, and let rise 30–40 minutes.
5. Roll dough into rectangle and spread filling evenly.
6. Roll, slice, and arrange in greased pan.
7. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. Whisk icing ingredients and spread on warm rolls.
Notes
Add crushed strawberries for extra pink color.
Can be prepped overnight and baked fresh in the morning.
Store iced rolls in fridge up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Pink Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are more than a treat, they’re a moment of joy baked right into your morning. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just because, their warm color and rich flavor make every bite special. Whether you’re sharing them with family or baking them as a gift, these rolls bring sweetness, warmth, and love to your kitchen.