Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with warm cinnamon filling. These soft, vibrant rolls topped with creamy frosting are perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: 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.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well blended.
7. Step 7: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.
8. Step 8: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
9. Step 9: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
10. Step 10: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden.

Tips & Variations

• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a softer, more tender dough.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon filling.
• Swap red food coloring for natural beet juice powder to avoid artificial colors.
• Make ahead by assembling the rolls and refrigerating overnight; bake fresh in the morning.

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 gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast with active dry yeast using the same quantity. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without the need to activate it in warm milk first.

How do I keep the rolls moist and soft after baking?

Cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap or foil once cooled to retain moisture. Reheating them with a damp paper towel over the top can also help keep them soft.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist. Soft cocoa-infused dough dyed with red food coloring is filled with a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture, rolled into perfect spirals, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting for an indulgent breakfast or dessert treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until 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.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well blended.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.
6. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
7. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden.
9. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls once they have cooled slightly.

Notes

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead the dough well to develop gluten for soft, fluffy rolls.
• You can adjust the amount of red food coloring depending on the desired intensity of color.
• For extra gooey rolls, add some cream cheese frosting between the layers before rolling.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet Dessert, Breakfast Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting