Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red hue of the dough makes these rolls eye-catching and festive.
• Rich Flavor: The cocoa-based dough adds a rich, velvety taste while the cinnamon filling creates a delicious contrast.
• Perfectly Sweet: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect creamy finish, balancing out the sweetness and richness of the rolls.
• Easy to Make: Though they look impressive, these rolls are relatively simple to prepare and will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, then mix well. Gradually add in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes, then add food coloring. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.

2. Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls: Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread the filling over it, then roll tightly and cut into 12 slices.

4. Bake the Rolls: Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

5. Prepare the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

6. Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Chocolate Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
• Berry Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Incorporate berry preserves into the filling and mix berry puree into the frosting.
• Spiced Red Velvet Rolls: Add pumpkin spice or chai spices to the filling for a seasonal twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake them the next day.

2. Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, freeze unbaked rolls in a covered container. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

3. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, use the dough setting on your bread machine to simplify the process.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can, but the texture may be denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour is a good option.

5. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake them fully and store them properly in an airtight container.

6. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can try using a chocolate ganache or vanilla glaze for a different flavor profile.

7. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling will give a nice crunch.

8. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting for a less sweet, more balanced flavor.

9. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can substitute with pre-made dough, but homemade dough offers a better texture and flavor.

10. How can I make these rolls more colorful?

Use more food coloring to deepen the red hue or add colorful sprinkles on top for a fun presentation.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with a twist. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just a sweet indulgence, these rolls combine the beloved flavors of red velvet and cinnamon in a way that’s sure to delight. Whether served warm or as leftovers, these rolls are always a hit!

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