Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a festive red velvet twist. Soft, tender, and rich with cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for filling)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened for frosting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2–4 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth.
- Step 5: Roll out the dough into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top if using.
- Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling to 3 tablespoons.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- If you prefer, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour for an extra tender dough.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid.
- Mini chocolate chips add a delightful surprise; omit for a more traditional cinnamon roll.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving, spreading extra frosting if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use any milk you have on hand, but whole milk gives the rolls a richer, softer texture.
How do I make sure the rolls rise properly?
Makes sure your milk is warmed (not hot) to activate the yeast. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a vibrant red dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a festive breakfast or a sweet dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together until thoroughly combined. Optionally, stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving for a rich and delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Use gloves or a utensil when handling red food coloring to avoid staining.
- The optional mini chocolate chips add a delightful twist but can be omitted for a classic cinnamon roll.
- Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Frost the rolls while warm for the frosting to slightly melt, soaking into the rolls perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet, Cream Cheese Frosting, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Dessert Recipe, Breakfast Rolls
