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Irresistible Pink Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.7 from 86 reviews

These Irresistible Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a vibrant pink hue and a luscious raspberry-strawberry filling. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a homemade fruit filling that combines raspberries, strawberry preserves, and fresh diced strawberries, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy strawberry-infused frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat that impresses with both color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 4.5 oz unsalted butter (Kerrygold preferred)
  • 1.7 cups milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 7 g active dry yeast
  • 1 lb King Arthur all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 drop pink food gel

For the raspberry filling:

  • 3.5 oz raspberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 5 oz Bonne Maman raspberry preserves
  • 1.7 oz strawberries, diced into 1/4-inch pieces

For the frosting and assembly:

  • 2 oz butter, softened to room temperature (~70°F)
  • 1.8 oz full-fat cream cheese
  • 5.3 oz icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 fl oz milk
  • 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into fine powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bloom the yeast and prepare dough mixture: Melt 4.5 oz butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Combine the melted butter with warmed milk (110°F), 1/3 cup sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy and yeasty, indicating the yeast is activated. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and pink food gel, then pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and bouncy. The dough should spring back when poked. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. Placing it on top of a warm oven works well.
  3. Make the raspberry filling: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, 1/4 cup sugar, water, and cornflour. Cook over low heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Stir in the raspberry preserves and diced strawberries, then remove from heat and cool completely. This ensures the filling sets without making the rolls soggy.
  4. Prepare the rolls: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the risen dough on a floured surface into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Spread the cooled filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 9-10 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange rolls cut-side down in the baking dish, cover loosely, and let rise for 40-60 minutes until puffy.
  5. Bake the rolls: Brush the tops with 1 fl oz milk for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set before frosting.
  6. Make the frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for pink color and strawberry flavor without extra moisture.
  7. Frost and garnish: Spread strawberry frosting generously over cooled rolls. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh strawberries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one day to maintain freshness and softness.

Notes

  • Warming milk to 110°F is essential to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Using cornflour in the filling helps prevent soggy rolls by thickening the fruit mixture.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor and color without adding moisture, unlike fresh berries.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Best consumed within one day for optimal freshness and texture.
  • For clean roll cuts, dental floss is an effective tool to avoid squishing the dough.

Keywords: pink cinnamon rolls, raspberry cinnamon rolls, strawberry cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, fruit filled cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, baking dessert