Description
Soft & Sweet Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the fluffiness of classic cinnamon rolls with the rich, tangy taste of red velvet cake, swirled with cinnamon filling and topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before baking)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling: 6. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Roll and Fill the Dough: 7. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. 8. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. 9. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. 10. Slice the log into even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. 11. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Rolls: 12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 13. Pour a little heavy cream over the rolls to keep them extra soft and moist. 14. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: 15. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. 16. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. 17. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the frosting for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based alternatives and a flax egg instead of regular eggs.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- rising time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red velvet cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert