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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 124 reviews

Indulge in these soft and flavorful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a rich cocoa dough, a hint of cinnamon spice, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls combine classic cinnamon roll comfort with the beloved red velvet twist, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour as a substitute)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (105–115°F / 40–46°C; can use buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil/vegan butter)
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (or 1–2 tsp beet powder for natural color)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • Thin layer of softened butter for spreading

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk (or plant milk alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to between 105–115°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a rough dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, slightly elastic, and a little tacky but not sticky.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the filling and roll out: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12×9 inches. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over it.
  7. Form the rolls: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the log into 8–12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
  8. Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 8×8 or 9-inch round baking dish, cover them, and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are firm to the touch and slightly springy in the center. Avoid over-baking to prevent dryness or excessive browning.
  10. Prepare frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  11. Frost and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve the red velvet cinnamon rolls warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dense dough.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
  • Warm milk should be comfortably warm to the touch, not hot, to effectively activate the yeast.
  • For a vegan version, substitute egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Use unflavored dental floss to achieve clean and even slices of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Do not overbake to keep rolls soft and moist.

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, cinnamon roll recipe, cream cheese frosting, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/