Are you craving a delightful twist to the classic cinnamon roll? Look no further than these irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Perfectly fluffy, with a hint of cocoa and a burst of vibrant red color, these rolls are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make for an unforgettable breakfast or dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe and get ready to indulge!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons red food coloring
For the Filling:
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened
For the Frosting:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, flour, cocoa, salt, and red food coloring. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll out the risen dough into an 18×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, starting from a long side, and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 slices.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Place the slices cut side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the Rolls:
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, spread the creamy frosting generously over the top.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Servings: 12 rolls
Related Recipes:
- Coconut Cake Recipe: Tropical Dessert Delight
- Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
- Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
- Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
- Freshly Baked Enjoyment: Serve these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The aroma alone will tantalize your senses and make them irresistible to your family and guests.
- Accompaniments: Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or your favorite tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert experience.
- Presentation: Arrange the rolls on a beautiful serving platter or individual plates, and don’t forget to drizzle any leftover frosting on top for an extra touch of decadence.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers (although they might disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually or in a single layer in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy these rolls again, simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick fix or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Add a fresh dollop of frosting before serving to revive their deliciousness.
Additional Tips:
- Portion Control: If you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can easily halve the recipe or freeze half of the baked rolls for later enjoyment.
- Variations: Get creative with the filling by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the rising time slightly, as instant yeast tends to rise faster. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for conversion, typically using about 25% less instant yeast compared to active dry yeast.
Can I make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These rolls can be prepared ahead of time to save you time on busy mornings or for special occasions. You can refrigerate the assembled but unbaked rolls overnight and then allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked rolls for longer-term storage and reheat them when ready to enjoy.
Can I omit the food coloring from the dough?
While the red food coloring adds to the visual appeal of these rolls and enhances their red velvet character, you can omit it if desired. The rolls will still have a delicious flavor, although they won’t have the vibrant red hue typically associated with red velvet. Alternatively, you can explore natural food coloring options such as beet powder for a similar effect.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting to my preference?
Absolutely! The sweetness of the frosting can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar or add it gradually until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, feel free to increase the amount of confectioners’ sugar for a richer frosting. Experiment with the proportions until you find the perfect balance for your palate.
Conclusion:
With their striking appearance and heavenly taste, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these delectable rolls today! Don’t forget to share your creations with #redvelvet #cinnamonrolls #creamcheesefrosting to spread the joy of baking!
📖 Recipe
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes+Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of flavors with these delectable Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Rich in taste and visually stunning, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at any gathering. Embark on a culinary adventure with the harmonious blend of cinnamon-infused filling wrapped in velvety red dough, topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Granulated sugar
Butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa
Salt
Red food coloring
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cream cheese
Confectioners’ sugar
Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and add sugar, butter, eggs, flour, cocoa, salt, and red food coloring. Knead until smooth.
- Allow the dough to rise, then roll it out and spread with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough, cut into slices, and place in a baking pan. Let rise again.
- Bake until golden brown and prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the warm rolls with the creamy mixture and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
