There’s something magical about red velvet and cinnamon rolls coming together in one delightful treat. These luscious, velvety rolls are soft, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a sweet indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are pure decadence. The buttery dough has a hint of cocoa, the cinnamon-sugar filling is warm and comforting, and the cream cheese glaze is the literal icing on the cake (or roll, in this case). Whether for a special holiday or a lazy weekend morning, these rolls are bound to impress!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Milk
- Unsalted butter
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below!
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, activate the yeast in warm milk, and combine with butter and eggs to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Cover the dough and let it double in size in a warm spot.
- Make the Filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and roll into a log. Slice into rolls.
- Second Rise: Let the rolls rise in the pan until puffy.
- Bake: Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until golden.
- Glaze: Drizzle cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
- Don’t overheat the milk—it should feel warm to the touch, not hot.
- For perfectly shaped rolls, use dental floss to slice the dough instead of a knife.
- Make sure your glaze is ready to pour while the rolls are still warm for that gooey finish!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap cream cheese frosting for a classic vanilla glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey surprise.
- Want a tangy twist? Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice into the glaze.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these heavenly rolls with a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds to make them warm and gooey again.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls without the glaze. Thaw, warm, and glaze before serving.
Q: What gives the dough its red velvet flavor?
The combination of cocoa powder, a hint of vinegar, and red food coloring creates that iconic red velvet taste and color.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones. Their soft, pillowy texture and indulgent flavor will make every bite unforgettable. Try them for your next brunch or holiday celebration—you won’t regret it!
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BEST RECIPE for Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—a delightful fusion of rich red velvet flavor and classic cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top if using.
- Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting over them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more vibrant red color, you can add additional food coloring to the dough.
- To prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for an easy morning bake.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg