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Flavorful Purple Green Gold King Cake Cinnamon Rolls

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A festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls featuring vibrant purple, green, and gold swirls inspired by Mardi Gras. These soft, flavorful rolls combine cinnamon sugar filling with a smooth glaze for a perfect homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp / 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Gel food coloring: purple, green, and gold/yellow
  • Optional: a tiny bit of lemon zest
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp whole milk (or dairy-free milk if preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) with yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until shaggy dough forms (3-4 minutes).
  3. Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if too sticky.
  4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Punch down dough and divide into three equal portions. Color each with gel food coloring (purple, green, gold).
  6. Roll each colored dough into 9×12 inch rectangles. Spread softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar filling evenly, leaving a border.
  7. Stack the three rectangles and roll tightly into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
  8. Cut log into 12 equal slices (~1.5 inches thick). Arrange in greased round cake pan or baking sheet.
  9. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25-30 minutes until golden brown, rotating pan halfway. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  11. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls after baking.
  12. Let rolls cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency. Warm milk to about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Rotate pan halfway through baking to prevent uneven browning. Glaze rolls while warm for best texture. Dough can be prepared the night before after first rise and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Mardi Gras, Festive Baking, Colorful Rolls, Homemade Treats, Cinnamon Sugar, Glaze

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-purple-green-gold-king-cake-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-for-perfect-homemade-treats/