Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls take a classic breakfast treat to the next level with their soft, pillowy texture, rich cocoa flavor, and deep red hue. Swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are an indulgent delight for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or a weekend brunch, these stunning cinnamon rolls will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour – 3½ cups
Granulated sugar – ¼ cup
Active dry yeast – 1 packet (2¼ tsp)
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Whole milk (warmed) – 1 cup
Unsalted butter (melted) – ¼ cup
Large egg – 1
Red food coloring – 2 tbsp
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter (softened) – ½ cup
Brown sugar (packed) – ¾ cup
Ground cinnamon – 2 tbsp
Mini chocolate chips (optional) – ½ cup

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

- Cream cheese (softened) – 8 oz
- Unsalted butter (softened) – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Milk – 2-4 tbsp

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly and sprinkle mini chocolate chips (if using).
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix in milk until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

- Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Notes

For a deeper cocoa flavor, add an extra tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough.
To prevent dryness, don’t overbake—remove from the oven as soon as the tops are lightly golden.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheat for 15 seconds in the microwave for a warm, gooey texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American