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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Recipe

5 from 26 reviews

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a decadent twist on a classic treat. Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these red-hued delights are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/2 cup water, warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough – In a small bowl, mix warm milk, water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Add yeast mixture, eggs, butter, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Filling – While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to make the filling.
  3. Shape the Rolls – Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly and slice into 12 pieces. Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let them rise for 30 minutes.
  4. Bake the Rolls – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Frost and Serve – While the rolls are baking, make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Frost the warm rolls generously and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast, Brunch, Baking, Sweet Treat