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
Units
Scale
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