Imagine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake combined with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With their vibrant red color, tender dough, and luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to impress your family and guests. Whether it’s a holiday morning or a special weekend treat, this recipe is a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red dough and creamy white icing make these rolls visually stunning.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, brunches, or as a special weekend treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love these indulgent rolls.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Dough: The base of the rolls is made with all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, butter, egg, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, creating a soft, slightly sweet dough with a rich red color.
- Filling: A mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar provides a sweet, warm filling that perfectly complements the red velvet dough.
- Cream Cheese Icing: This velvety icing is made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, offering a tangy, sweet topping that balances the richness of the cinnamon rolls. A bit of milk is added to achieve the perfect consistency.
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Tips and Tricks
- Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for achieving a vibrant red color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Even Slices: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough log into even slices.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
- Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the icing for a citrusy twist.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Serve with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
- Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze un-iced rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as needed.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
2. Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred for a more vibrant color.
3. Can I skip the cocoa powder?
The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor, but you can omit it if desired.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on a classic treat, with soft cocoa-infused dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for any special occasion or a delicious breakfast
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (gel preferred)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (optional)
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Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Roll Out and Assemble:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Second Rise and Bake:
- Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Icing:
- While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk if needed to thin the icing.
Serve:
- Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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