Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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If you are looking to take your breakfast or brunch game up a notch, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Infused with that signature deep-red hue and a touch of cocoa, these rolls combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon with a luscious cream cheese frosting to create a treat that feels like a joyous celebration in every bite. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for special occasions or cozy mornings when you want to impress your loved ones with something homemade yet irresistibly indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll gather some simple pantry staples that work beautifully together to create a soft, tender dough with the iconic red velvet color and a perfectly spiced filling. Each ingredient plays a vital role in texture and flavor, from the warm milk activating the yeast to the cocoa powder adding that subtle chocolate undertone.
- Warm milk: About 110°F helps activate the yeast without killing it, essential for a fluffy dough.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: The powerhouse responsible for the dough’s rise and airy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft yet sturdy rolls.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that unmistakable rich chocolate hint that balances the cinnamon.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large egg: Adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the dough together.
- Red food coloring: Gives the dough that iconic red velvet look that makes these rolls special.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms each bite with cozy notes.
- Cream cheese: Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness to the frosting.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by gently combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until it turns foamy on the surface—this means your yeast is alive and ready to create those soft, fluffy rolls you’re dreaming about.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. The cocoa powder doesn’t just add flavor but gives a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon filling.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add the yeast mixture, softened unsalted butter, egg, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until the dough starts to come together into a sticky ball that you can work with.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about five to seven minutes. You’ll want a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked. This step is key for getting those light, airy rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. This gives the dough the chance to develop flavor and rise beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This filling is the sweet spice heart of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls and will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Step 7: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a large 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border on the edges so none of that gooey goodness spills out.
Step 8: Shape and Slice
Starting with one long edge, roll your dough tightly into a log. Then cut it into 12 even slices—perfectly portioned for sharing and enjoying with friends or family.
Step 9: Second Rise
Arrange your cinnamon rolls in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes to develop that irresistible lightness.
Step 10: Bake Your Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven by this point!
Step 11: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy—the perfect topping for these sumptuous rolls.
Step 12: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool just enough so your frosting doesn’t melt into a puddle, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Every bite will be a perfect balance of warm cinnamon roll and cool tangy frosting.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
While these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are stunning and tasty just as they are, a few thoughtful garnishes can add texture and visual appeal. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of crushed pecans, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a citrus salad to balance out the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also makes a wonderful companion, elevating the whole experience into a cozy morning ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board for a charming breakfast spread or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a brunch buffet that’s sure to impress. You can also serve individual rolls in pretty ramekins or paper liners if you’re on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their life by a bit, refrigeration works too but bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your rolls is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20 to 30 seconds with a damp paper towel over the top to maintain softness. Don’t forget a quick touch-up of cream cheese frosting to revive their charm!
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder for the dough?
Yes, natural cocoa powder works perfectly here and offers that classic chocolate flavor. Just avoid Dutch-processed cocoa as it reacts differently with acidic ingredients.
Is there a substitute for red food coloring?
You can use natural alternatives like beet juice powder or puree, but keep in mind the color might not be as vibrant as with traditional food coloring.
Can I make the dough by hand or use a stand mixer?
Both methods are great! Kneading by hand gives you a tactile sense of the dough, while a stand mixer with a dough hook saves time and effort.
Are these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls suitable for freezing baked or unbaked?
You can freeze both unbaked rolls after the first rise or fully baked rolls. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
How long do these rolls keep fresh at room temperature?
It’s best to enjoy them within two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal softness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magically comforting about baking a batch of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from scratch, and sharing them makes the experience even sweeter. The vibrant color, rich cinnamon kick, and creamy frosting unite to create a breakfast treat that’s truly unforgettable. I hope you give this recipe a try and delight in every warm, gooey bite as much as I do!
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll with a vibrant red velvet twist, featuring a moist cocoa-infused dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a delightful balance of flavors with a visually striking presentation.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Form dough: Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling.
- Roll dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add filling: Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Form rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from a long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls complete their second rise.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Make frosting: While baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost rolls: Remove rolls from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use good quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor in the dough.
- If desired, substitute red food coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice for a natural red hue.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to enjoy a soft, warm experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls
