Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ever crave a sweet treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious? These Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a game-changer! Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a rich cocoa-cinnamon filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the magic of red velvet!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Striking Color: The vibrant red hue makes these rolls a showstopper.
• Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of cocoa, cinnamon, and tangy cream cheese.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Simpler than you think, even for beginner bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Comfort Food: Warms the heart and satisfies your sweet cravings.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring a touch of elegance and fun to your baking repertoire. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake will have everyone eagerly anticipating the first bite!

Ingredients Needed for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml), heated to 110-115°F (43-46°C) – crucial for activating the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) – ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted – provides richness and flavor to the dough.
• Large Egg: 1 – adds moisture and structure to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – enhances the overall flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – gives the rolls their signature red color. Gel food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant hue.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (315g), plus more for dusting – provides the structure for the dough.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) – helps to create a light and airy texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) – balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Filling Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened – creates a rich and flavorful filling.
• Packed Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g) – adds sweetness and a molasses-like flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons (12g) – provides the signature red velvet flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon (8g) – complements the cocoa and adds warmth.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened – provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), softened – adds richness and helps to create a smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (180g) – sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) – enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Milk: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml), or more to reach desired consistency – adjusts the consistency of the frosting.

For the best results, ensure all your ingredients are fresh. High-quality cocoa powder will significantly impact the final flavor of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. You can even add a pinch of espresso powder to the filling to deepen the chocolate flavor!

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Essential Equipment List

• Large Bowl: For mixing the dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements.
• Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for the filling and frosting.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and making the frosting.
• Stand Mixer (Optional): Simplifies kneading the dough, but hand-kneading works too!
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into a rectangle.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: For baking the cinnamon rolls.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: To cut the dough into even slices. Dental floss provides a clean cut!

While a stand mixer is helpful, you can absolutely make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with just a bowl, your hands, and a little elbow grease! Using dental floss to cut the rolls ensures they keep their shape, resulting in beautifully round rolls.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Difficulty: Medium

This recipe is designed for a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. You can easily scale it up for a larger gathering or halve it for a smaller treat. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistible Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
2. Let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
3. Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. The color should be a vibrant red.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Make the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
2. Mix until well combined and creamy. This filling will create the delicious swirls in your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
2. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a lightly floured surface. Ensure the dough is an even thickness for uniform rolls.
3. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge. This helps seal the rolls and prevents the filling from oozing out during baking.
4. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. This creates a compact roll that will hold its shape.
5. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss. Dental floss provides a clean cut without squishing the dough.
6. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper rising and baking.
7. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls are extra fluffy.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Prepare the Frosting

1. While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting.
2. In a large bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and easily spreadable.

Frost the Rolls

1. Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before frosting.
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls. The warmth will help the frosting melt slightly and create a beautiful glaze.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!

CHECK OUT: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – Perfect for a cozy fall breakfast!

Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• • Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and observing the foaming action when mixed with warm milk and sugar.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough rolls. Mix until just combined, then knead until smooth and elastic.
  • Proper Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.

• Evenly Distribute the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake until golden brown and cooked through, but avoid overbaking to prevent dry rolls.

If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable. A bench scraper can be incredibly helpful when working with dough, making it easier to transfer and shape. For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling!

Variations & Substitutions for Cinnamon Rolls

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Mix 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the filling to enhance the cocoa flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

For a festive twist, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top of the frosting during the holidays! You can also use different food colorings to create unique and vibrant rolls for various occasions.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Coffee: Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combination.
• Tea: Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries for a balanced and refreshing meal.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply a special treat for yourself. Elevate the presentation by dusting the rolls with powdered sugar or drizzling with a chocolate ganache!

Health Benefits of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

While these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Milk provides calcium, essential for bone health. The cocoa powder contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage. Whole wheat flour can be used for a boost of fiber. Remember to enjoy these in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Oven Reheating: For a larger batch, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and frosting.

To maintain their soft texture, wrap the rolls tightly before storing them. When reheating, a sprinkle of water can help prevent them from drying out. Properly stored, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be enjoyed for days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Cinnamon Rolls

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the dough through step 5, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.

Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?

Yes, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours may require adjustments to the liquid content.

How Do I Prevent the Filling From Oozing Out?

Leave a small border on one long edge of the dough when spreading the filling. This helps seal the rolls and prevents the filling from leaking during baking. Also, ensure the dough is rolled tightly.

Can I Make These Rolls Without Red Food Coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring, but the rolls will not have the signature red velvet color. They will still taste delicious!

How Do I Know When the Rolls Are Done Baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake them.

Can I Use a Different Type of Frosting?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use a vanilla glaze, chocolate ganache, or any other frosting you prefer.

How Do I Store Leftover Frosted Rolls?

Store frosted rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting and the rolls from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 5g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delectable baked treats? Check out these delightful recipes:

• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – A perfect complement to your morning coffee.
• Cinnamon Roll Blondies – A delightful twist on two classic desserts!
• Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Easy to make and utterly irresistible.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen! Fast, flavorful, and visually stunning, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whip them up tonight, and tag us with your baking masterpiece!

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