Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easter Cinnamon Rolls recipe is more than just a breakfast classic – it’s an Easter celebration in itself! The dough is soft and pillowy, filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. What makes it even more special are the vibrant pastel colors that add a fun, festive touch, making them a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Plus, the coconut topping mimics Easter grass, and the marshmallow bunnies and pastel-colored chocolate eggs give these rolls a whimsical flair that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees F
- One 1/4-ounce package active dry or instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 3/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel pink gel food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel purple gel food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel blue gel food coloring
Topping:
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon green gel food coloring
- Marshmallow bunnies and pastel-colored chocolate eggs, for decorating
Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (1 pound)
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve, and let sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, dry milk powder, and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment until the dough comes together.
- Color the Dough: Once the dough has formed, divide it into three equal portions. Add a few drops of the pastel pink, purple, and blue food coloring to each section, and knead until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- Roll and Fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over each piece, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll each rectangle up tightly, then cut into 12 pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt together until smooth and fluffy.
- Top the Rolls: Once the rolls have baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Decorate with the green-dyed coconut flakes and marshmallow bunnies and pastel-colored chocolate eggs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12 rolls
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 1/2 hours (initial rise) + 30 minutes (second rise)
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours
Storage/Reheating
These Easter Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour will give you the best texture, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. The rolls may be slightly less chewy, but they will still turn out delicious.
How can I make the rolls even more colorful?
To enhance the colors, you can add more gel food coloring to the dough during the mixing stage. Just be careful not to overdo it to avoid overly intense hues.
What if I don’t have pastel-colored gel food coloring?
If you don’t have pastel colors, you can use regular gel food coloring, or even liquid food coloring, though the shades may not be as soft.
How do I make these rolls gluten-free?
To make these rolls gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to also check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Can I substitute coconut flakes with something else?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip it or replace it with shredded white chocolate or sprinkles for a fun, colorful topping.
Can I use a different frosting for these rolls?
While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can substitute it with a vanilla glaze or a simple buttercream if you prefer.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is optional and is mainly for a festive touch. You can skip it if you prefer plain cinnamon rolls.
What can I use for decorating the Easter rolls?
In addition to marshmallow bunnies and pastel-colored chocolate eggs, you could also use mini jelly beans, candied flowers, or any other small Easter-themed candies for decoration.
Conclusion
These Easter Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and colorful treat that brings joy and festivity to any holiday table. With their soft, fluffy dough, cinnamon filling, and vibrant toppings, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just looking for a fun way to enjoy cinnamon rolls, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your springtime menu!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for your holiday brunch or breakfast, with vibrant pastel colors and a fluffy, cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting and festive decorations, including coconut “grass,” marshmallow bunnies, and pastel eggs, these rolls are sure to delight both kids and adults. A fun and flavorful way to celebrate Easter, these cinnamon rolls are a colorful centerpiece for your table!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry or instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 3/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel pink gel food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel purple gel food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon pastel blue gel food coloring
Topping:
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon green gel food coloring
- Marshmallow bunnies and pastel-colored chocolate eggs, for decorating
Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (1 pound)
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine bread flour, dry milk powder, and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix on low speed until dough comes together.
- Color the Dough: Divide dough into 3 portions, add food coloring to each, and knead to incorporate colors.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Roll and Fill: Roll each colored dough portion into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 pieces.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Top Rolls: Frost rolls, then decorate with coconut “grass,” marshmallow bunnies, and pastel eggs.
Notes
- Dough can be made the night before and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
- Use all-purpose flour as a substitute for bread flour, though rolls may be slightly less chewy.
- Coconut can be replaced with shredded white chocolate or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
