Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
You Won’t Believe How Good These Are
Ever imagined waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? Picture this: soft, fluffy rolls swirled with rich cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, all dressed in a decadent cream cheese glaze. This recipe is special because it’s a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the vibrant red hue and delightful flavors of red velvet with the cozy warmth of cinnamon. Trust me, these rolls are a treat you don’t want to miss!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up a batch of these luscious rolls? Here are a few reasons:
- Easy cleanup – Instead of using tons of bowls, you’ll only need a couple. More time for you, less for scrubbing!
- Family-friendly – Kids love getting involved, whether they’re rolling the dough or drenching those rolls in glaze. It’s a kitchen bonding moment.
- Perfect for happy occasions – Birthday brunch? Holiday gatherings? These eye-catching treats are sure to be a hit. Who says dessert can’t be festive?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, food coloring, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Overview)
Making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is a breeze! Start by activating your yeast while mixing up your dry ingredients. Combine everything until you have a dough that’ll make you feel like a pro baker. Then, let it do its thing and rise until fluffy. The joy is in rolling out that dough and creating perfect spirals. After some baking magic, top with a luscious cream cheese glaze for a truly indulgent finish. Pro tip: Don’t skip the frosting; it’s like the cherry on top!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these dreamy rolls fresh out of the oven, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig in! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, or treat them as a dessert centerpiece. 🎉 The stunning red color and dreamy cream cheese drizzle create a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Feel free to sprinkle a touch of crushed nuts for an extra crunch—because who doesn’t love a little texture?
How to Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Plan to keep any leftovers? These rolls stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Just reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Stash them in the freezer for up to three months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bake ahead of time for stress-free mornings!
Tips to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Here are some insider tricks:
- Timing is key: Proper rising times ensure fluffy, pillowy rolls.
- Food coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue compared to liquid.
- Give it a twist: Add nuts or chocolate chips into the filling for a little extra indulgence.
- Experiment: Toss in some orange zest for an interesting flavor kick!
- Shortcut: Using pre-made dough can save time—sometimes we all need an easy win!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try substituting the cream cheese glaze with a vanilla glaze or chocolate icing for a different flair. You can go vegan by using non-dairy milk and butter, along with a vegan cream cheese alternative. The world is your oyster—or should I say, your cinnamon roll!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate overnight. Just ensure to bring it back to room temperature before baking.
What can I substitute for the cocoa powder?
You can try flour for a non-chocolate version. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes! Just assemble and freeze after cutting. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, food coloring, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
