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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

Delight in these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a tender cocoa-infused dough with a vibrant red hue, swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these rolls combine classic cinnamon roll flavors with a festive twist of red velvet and chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour, but texture will differ.)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (About 2 1/4 tsp.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (105–115°F / 40–46°C; can use buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (Or melted coconut oil/vegan butter)
  • 1 large egg (Or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (Or 1–2 tsp beet powder for natural color)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • Thin layer of softened butter (for spreading)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (Use vegan cream cheese for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk (Plant milk if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to 105–115°F (40–46°C). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it forms a rough dough.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic, which ensures good gluten development.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Leave it to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12 by 9 inches.
  7. Add Filling: Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon generously over the buttered surface.
  8. Form Rolls: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll so it doesn’t unravel during baking.
  9. Slice and Arrange: Slice the log into 8 to 12 evenly sized rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving slight space for expansion.
  10. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy and light.
  11. Preheat Oven and Bake: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until set and slightly springy to the touch in the center.
  12. Prepare Frosting: While baking, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  13. Frost and Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over them so it melts into the warm rolls. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Notes

  • To make the rolls vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter and cream cheese.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but expect a different texture.
  • Using buttermilk instead of regular milk can add a subtle tanginess to the dough.
  • Be careful not to overbake; rolls should be slightly springy in the center when done.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls, cocoa dough, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/