If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes as well, boasting a striking red hue and a delightful cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls will charm your family and friends, making them a must-try recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s dive a little deeper into why this recipe is a real winner. First off, it’s all about the flavor. The luscious red velvet flavor combined with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon makes for a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Secondly, the soft, fluffy texture of these rolls will have you over the moon. And let’s not forget about the cream cheese frosting—it’s the cherry on the proverbial cake! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit perfectly into any part of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get rollin’ (pun intended), here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the milk to about 110°F (it should feel warm to the touch but not hot). In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add in the melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is well-combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing it until a dough starts to form. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
4. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl until well combined. This will create a delicious filling that you’ll spread on the rolled dough.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
7. Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
8. Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely. This step ensures they’ll be pillowy soft!
9. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
11. Frost the Rolls
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Watch how it slowly melts into the warm rolls—a sight that’ll make your mouth water!
Serving and Storage Tips
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be served warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat them in the oven!
Helpful Tips
- Yeast Activation: If your yeast doesn’t froth up when mixed with warm milk, it might be dead. Make sure your ingredients are fresh.
- Chilling the Dough: For easier rolling, consider refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping your rolls.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for a twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and place it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out the next morning.
2. What type of food coloring should I use?
It’s best to use gel food coloring for a richer red color. Liquid dye works, but you may need to use more than a few drops to achieve the same effect.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will change the texture of the rolls. They may be denser and have a different flavor, so if you prefer that, go for it!
4. How can I make these rolls vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly!
5. My rolls didn’t puff up as expected. What went wrong?
There can be several factors! Check that your yeast is fresh, and ensure you’re allowing enough time for the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place.
Conclusion
Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is not just about baking; it’s about creating something that fills your home with warmth and deliciousness. With their vibrant color and irresistible flavor, these rolls are sure to become a favorite for everyone who tries them. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a batch that will leave a lasting impression on your friends and family. Trust us; when you serve these at your next gathering, they won’t last long!
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Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Sweet Decadence Awaits
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in sweet decadence with our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Experience a delicious blend of flavors thatll satisfy your cravings perfectly
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American