Description
Discover these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the classic cinnamon roll. Perfectly soft and topped with cream cheese frosting!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together, then increase the speed and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add the red gel food coloring, a little at a time, until the desired color is achieved.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Roll and Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Bake and Frost the Rolls:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and well combined.
- Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Achieving the Perfect Texture: To keep the rolls soft and fluffy, don’t over-knead the dough. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Additionally, make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
- Enhancing the Red Velvet Flavor: For a more pronounced red velvet flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vinegar along with the cocoa powder. This enhances the tanginess characteristic of red velvet.
- Decorative Topping: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed red velvet cake crumbs over the frosting, or add a drizzle of white chocolate for a beautiful contrast.