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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/