Print

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Experience the perfect blend of rich red velvet flavor and classic cinnamon sweetness in these soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, these festive rolls are ideal for holidays, special breakfasts, or any occasion craving a colorful, indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, warmed (100-110°F)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted and warmed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm buttermilk and butter to 100-110°F. In a small bowl, combine warm buttermilk, melted butter, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let sit until bubbly and activated, about 5-10 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and spreadable.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough surface, making sure to cover edge to edge for consistent flavor.
  4. Roll Up and Slice: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12-15 even pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
  5. Second Rise (Proof): Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased baking dish. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and soft.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  8. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls immediately after baking for a classic melty finish. Garnish with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure liquid temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Avoid adding too much flour to keep rolls tender and fluffy.
  • Roll the dough into an even rectangle for uniform swirls and layers.
  • The second rise is crucial for achieving soft, pillowy rolls.
  • Apply cream cheese frosting while rolls are still warm for best melting effect.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet, Breakfast Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Sweet Rolls, Holiday Breakfast