Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavor of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These pillowy soft rolls combine the mild cocoa taste and tangy buttermilk of red velvet cake with a buttery cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these rolls are the perfect sweet, eye-catching delight!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with bread flour)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- ¼ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
For Baking (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream (for added moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (about 110°F). Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. (You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
5. Second Rise:
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space for them to expand.
- Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
6. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- (Optional) Pour heavy cream over the rolls before baking for extra moisture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Make the Frosting:
- While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
8. Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls have slightly cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Enjoy warm for the best gooey texture!
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for the best texture.
- Variation: Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent twist!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20-25 min
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Protein: ~5g