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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 92 reviews

Deliciously tender and vibrant Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls featuring a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, soft cream cheese frosting, and a moist, flavorful dough enhanced with classic red food coloring. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert treat.

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
  • 2–4 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  2. Mix wet ingredients and form dough: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then gradually add any remaining flour needed to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead and proof dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare filling and roll dough: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together for the filling. Roll out the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, and sprinkle mini chocolate chips if using.
  5. Shape rolls and second proof: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
  6. Bake rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
  7. Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm cinnamon rolls for the best flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a stronger red velvet flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the dough along with the dry ingredients.
  • Mini chocolate chips in the filling are optional but add a delightful chocolate burst.
  • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by varying the amount of milk.
  • Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls, breakfast pastry, baked cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/