Description
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a vibrant red hue, a soft and fluffy texture, and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin the icing)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
-
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
- While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk if necessary for a thinner consistency.
-
Finish the Rolls:
- Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before icing.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American