These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring a unique twist to the classic cinnamon roll by incorporating the rich, velvety texture and color of red velvet cake. Soft, fluffy dough with a hint of cocoa, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with luscious cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for special occasions or indulgent weekend breakfasts. The vibrant red hue combined with the warm cinnamon filling makes them as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- One cup of milk heated to a warm temperature, around 110°F (43°C).
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring (as needed for desired color)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, or enough to achieve the desired consistency.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Once the yeast is activated, add it to this mixture and stir to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a pliable dough comes together. Add red food coloring a little at a time until the desired color is reached.
- Knead the Mixture: Transfer the dough onto a surface dusted with flour and knead it for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Prepare the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Let Rolls Rise Again: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while preparing the icing.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
- Top the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly taste of red velvet and cinnamon combined.
Conclusion:
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping breakfast or dessert that marries the flavors of red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls. With their soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and rich cream cheese icing, they’re a decadent treat that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day you feel like indulging. Whether you’re a red velvet lover or a cinnamon roll enthusiast, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with ahint of cocoa and filled with cinnamon sugar, all topped with a rich creamcheese icing. A perfect indulgence for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- One cup of milk heated to a warm temperature around 110°F (43°C).
- 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring as needed for desired color
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or enough to achieve the desired consistency.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Once the yeast is activated, add it to this mixture and stir to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a pliable dough comes together. Add red food coloring a little at a time until the desired color is reached.
- Knead the Mixture: Transfer the dough onto a surface dusted with flour and knead it for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Prepare the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Let Rolls Rise Again: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while preparing the icing.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
- Top the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly taste of red velvet and cinnamon combined.