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
