Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with a classic cinnamon sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive brunches or a sweet breakfast treat, these homemade rolls are soft, tender, and visually stunning with their vibrant red hue.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red gel food coloring (about 1–2 teaspoons)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, warm the milk, water, and butter until it reaches 110°F–115°F. Add this warm mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg, cocoa powder, and red gel food coloring. Mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly from the long side, then cut the log into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake the next morning. Make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Optional: Add white chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence.
