Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these red velvet cinnamon rolls! They are a delightful combination of textures and flavors—soft, buttery dough, a sweet and spicy cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese icing that adds a perfect tang. The eye-catching red color makes them not only delicious but visually stunning as well, making them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself. Whether you're a fan of cinnamon rolls or red velvet cake, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (gel preferred, amount to achieve desired color)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin icing)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
6. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough.
7. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and cover. Let rise for 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk if needed for consistency.
10. Once the rolls are done, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Rising time: 1.5 hours (for dough), 30-45 minutes (for rolls)
• Bake time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Spiced Red Velvet: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the cinnamon filling for a more complex flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Incorporate a layer of cream cheese mixture in the filling for an extra creamy, rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature and continue with the recipe the next morning.

2. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, after shaping the rolls, you can freeze them. Just place the rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them rise for 1-2 hours before baking.

3. What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can make these rolls without the food coloring, or use a natural red dye such as beet juice, although the color might not be as vibrant.

4. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well for this recipe and will still yield soft, fluffy rolls.

5. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Absolutely! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 5 minutes, making the process quicker.

6. How can I make the icing thinner?

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

7. What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is active and the environment is warm enough for the dough to rise. If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to expired yeast or cold temperatures.

8. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to the filling for added texture and flavor.

9. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel firm when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

10. How do I prevent the icing from melting?

Let the rolls cool slightly before applying the cream cheese icing, which will help prevent it from melting too much.

Conclusion

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, these rolls will not disappoint. With a beautiful red hue, soft dough, cinnamon filling, and rich cream cheese icing, they’re sure to impress both in taste and appearance. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a deliciously indulgent treat, combining the rich flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, and tangy cream cheese icing. With their soft, pillowy texture and vibrant red color, these rolls are perfect for holidays, brunch, or any special occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a stunning and flavorful twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minute
• Rising Time: 1.5 hours (for dough), 30-45 minutes (for rolls)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: ~2.5 hours
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (gel preferred, amount as desired)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin icing)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and red food coloring. Mix well.
  • Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

• Prepare the Filling & Shape the Rolls:

  • Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
  • Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the buttered dough.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and cover. Let rise for 30-45 minutes.

• Bake the Rolls:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk if needed for consistency.

• Finish & Serve:

  • Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing on top.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Spiced Variation: Add nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon filling for a deeper flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.