Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a stunning twist on a classic breakfast treat with their vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor. Soft, tender dough is layered with cinnamon sweetness and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for impressing family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined to create the filling.
- Step 3: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end, then slice into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Step 5: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth to make the frosting. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use warm milk at about 110°F to properly activate the yeast and get a good rise.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; stop once it’s smooth and slightly tacky for the best texture.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.
- If you prefer, substitute red food coloring with natural beet juice for a vibrant, natural color.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds to restore warmth and softness before serving. The frosting can be added fresh after reheating for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature and proceed with shaping and the second rise before baking.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
Natural alternatives like beet juice or powder can be used to achieve the red hue, though the flavor and color intensity may vary.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, featuring a rich cocoa-infused dough tinted with vibrant red food coloring, filled with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they are an irresistible indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end and slice into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting & Serve: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Use warm milk (110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t over-knead the dough—stop once it’s smooth and slightly tacky.
- Make sure the rolls rise properly before baking to ensure fluffiness.
- Spread frosting on warm rolls for best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastry, homemade rolls
