Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine a rich chocolate flavor with the comforting spices of cinnamon, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warm
- ½ cup water, warm
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep your workspace and gather all the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add softened butter, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, approximately 16x24 inches, with a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Shape the Rolls
- Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal it.
- Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise
- Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
Bake the Rolls
- Place the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
Frost and Serve
- Mash together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve!
Notes
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze wrapped and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.