Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, blending the deep, rich flavor of red velvet with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1-2 teaspoons red food coloring (adjust for desired color)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough later in Step 4 before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice the dough into 12 even rolls.
Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up.
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if needed) until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls immediately after they come out of the oven.
Serve the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the rich, gooey goodness!
Pro Tip: For an extra special presentation, garnish the rolls with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or additional sprinkles of cinnamon.
Enjoy these soft, flavorful red velvet cinnamon rolls with a creamy frosting on top! Perfect for a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat.
