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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.5 from 90 reviews

Delight in these soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls featuring a vibrant red dough swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a festive breakfast or a special dessert, these rolls combine classic flavors with a stunning twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  3. Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. If using, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
  7. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish with some space to allow for rising.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  10. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Mix in vanilla extract.
  11. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, flavorful treat.

Notes

  • Use warm milk to activate the yeast effectively but avoid overheating as it can kill the yeast.
  • If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
  • Mini chocolate chips in the filling are optional but add a delicious melty texture.
  • For a festive touch, use gel food coloring to achieve a more vibrant red color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast Rolls, American Dessert