Description
Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a vibrant red swirl, rich cinnamon-cocoa filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ tsp salt
¾ cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp red food coloring
Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp cocoa powder
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for desired consistency)
Optional Additions:
¼ cup chopped nuts
¼ cup white chocolate chips
Sprinkles, as desired
Instructions
Activate Yeast: Warm milk to 110°F and mix with yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare Dough: Mix flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and softened butter until smooth.
Roll and Fill: Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread filling evenly, and roll into a log. Seal the edge.
Cut Rolls: Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake 25–30 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Frost rolls while warm.
Serve: Enjoy warm, with coffee, hot chocolate, or a smoothie.
Notes
Use warm milk to activate yeast properly.
Do not overwork the dough; gentle kneading keeps rolls soft.
Allow rolls to rise properly for fluffy texture.
Frost rolls while slightly warm for the gooey, melty effect.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or freeze for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls