Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! There’s just something magical about the combination of that rich, velvety cake flavor with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. I’ll never forget the first time I made these for a cozy brunch with friends. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone started gathering, excited to dig in. Trust me, these rolls are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. You’ll want to savor every single bite—so grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your mouthwatering Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your dough, giving it structure and that lovely chewy texture.
- 1 cup milk – Use warm milk to help activate the yeast and make the dough nice and soft.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetness is key! This adds flavor and helps the rolls caramelize beautifully.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – For richness and to keep the rolls moist and tender.
- 1 large egg – This helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – Just enough to give that classic red velvet flavor without overwhelming it.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring – The star ingredient for that vibrant red hue!
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast – Essential for making the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The classic spice that makes these rolls so comforting.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – The base for your luscious frosting.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – For sweetness and that irresistible creamy texture in the frosting.
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Let’s get started on our dough! In a large bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. You’ll want to let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy—that’s when you know the yeast is doing its magic! Next, stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until well combined. Then, gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Once it’s all together, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. Just wait until it doubles in size—it’s like watching magic happen!
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Make sure it’s even—this will help with consistent baking. Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the dough, followed by the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Get that filling everywhere! Now, tightly roll the dough from the longer side, creating a log shape. Use a sharp knife (or even dental floss, my little secret!) to slice the log into 12 even pieces. This will give you those delightful rolls.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
Place your beautiful rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for that fluffy texture! While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are puffed up and cozy in their dish, pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!
Step 4: Frost the Rolls
Now for the best part—frosting! In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes (I know it’s hard to wait!). Then, generously spread that luscious frosting over the warm rolls. It’ll melt just a bit and create a dreamy, gooey topping. Wow, are you ready to dig in?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are truly something special, and here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Flavor Explosion: The rich combination of red velvet and warm cinnamon creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Visual Delight: Their vibrant red color makes for a stunning presentation, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a brunch or a cozy night in, these rolls are sure to impress your friends and family.
- Heavenly Aroma: Just wait until they’re baking; the smell will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Letting the dough rise is crucial. If it hasn’t doubled in size, give it a bit more time—patience pays off!
- Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast; it should be active and bubbly for the best rise.
- Even Slices: For uniform baking, try using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls; it’ll give you clean cuts without squishing them!
- Adjust the Frosting: If you want a thicker frosting, just add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about a week. For those delightful warm moments, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, just until they’re warmed through. Alternatively, if you prefer the oven, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Trust me, they’ll taste just as heavenly as when they came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Typically, each Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll contains around 300 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 18g of sugar. Enjoy with joy, not just numbers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. Just let them rise before baking.
What if I don’t have red food coloring? No worries! You can skip it, but the rolls won’t have that classic red hue. They’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I freeze leftover rolls? Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to serve them? Warm, with a drizzle of that cream cheese frosting! You can even add some crushed nuts on top for a little crunch.
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the benefits of cinnamon and its health properties!
For a delightful twist, try adding cream cheese in various recipes!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Irresistible Steps to Bliss
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve desired color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls