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Merry

Soft & Gooey Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

1. Prepare the Dough:
  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
  4. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
  1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
  1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly and sprinkle mini chocolate chips (if using).
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
  4. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix in milk until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
6. Frost and Serve:
  1. 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.

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