Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the warm, comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls. These sweet rolls are perfect for a breakfast surprise, brunch gathering, or even a decadent dessert. With their vibrant red color and creamy frosting, they can brighten up any table and bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for their unique flavor and beautiful presentation. They are soft, fluffy, and infused with a subtle cocoa taste, making them unlike any regular cinnamon roll. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy layer that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls. They are fun to make and perfect for impressing family and friends on special occasions or lazy weekends.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring (adjust for desired color)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough.
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the dough into 12 even rolls.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise.
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls immediately after they come out of the oven.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious rolls are best served warm, right after they are frosted. You can enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of extra cream cheese frosting on top. They make a fantastic treat with coffee or tea, and they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

How to Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

1. Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
2. Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
3. Frosting Texture: Adjust the milk in the frosting to get your desired consistency for spreading.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor. You can also try using different food coloring for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

2. Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the sliced rolls before the second rise. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese or a whipped buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese for a different flavor.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: olivia
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (adjust for desired color)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let the dough rise in a lightly greased bowl, covered, in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
7. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
8. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, and roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 rolls.
9. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cut side up, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
11. For frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy.
12. Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls immediately after baking.

Notes

Serve warm, and store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: red velvet, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, dessert, breakfast