Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of two classic desserts. These rich and decadent cinnamon rolls have a deep red color and a delicious cocoa flavor, making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any day of the year! In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to make homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, including the ingredients and the instructions.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and red food coloring to the mixing bowl. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough.
- Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 rolls and place them in the greased baking dish.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- If you don’t have red food coloring, you can omit it from the recipe. The cinnamon and cocoa powder will still give the rolls a delicious flavor and aroma.
- To make the frosting extra smooth, use room temperature ingredients and beat them together for several minutes.
- If you want to save time, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out and assembling the cinnamon rolls.
- You can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have a large enough baking dish, you can use two smaller ones or even a muffin tin to make mini cinnamon rolls.
- To make the dough rise faster, you can place it in a warm oven or microwave. Just make sure the temperature is not too hot, or it may kill the yeast.
- If you want to make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time, you can freeze them after baking and frosting. To reheat, simply microwave them for 30-45 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed red velvet cake crumbs over the cream cheese frosting for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, and they are easy to make from scratch. With their stunning red color and irresistible flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for your next brunch, holiday celebration, or special occasion, and watch them disappear in no time!
In conclusion, these homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and festive dessert that are sure to impress your family and friends. They are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just as a treat for yourself. With their beautiful red color and indulgent cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
