Indulge in a luxurious treat with Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, which combine the rich, vibrant flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting, sweet essence of classic cinnamon rolls. These rolls are made with a soft, pillowy red velvet dough, filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Optional mini chocolate chips can be added for an extra layer of sweetness, making these rolls perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress with their rich flavor, beautiful color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 even pieces.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
- While the rolls bake, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them.
- Serve the rolls warm for the ultimate indulgence!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- For added sweetness, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top of the frosted rolls.
Helpful Notes:
- You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for a quicker bake in the morning.
- Add more food coloring for a deeper, richer red color in the dough.
- Optional mini chocolate chips add an extra burst of sweetness, but the rolls are just as delicious without them.
Chef’s Tip:
- To enhance the red velvet flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough mixture for a richer taste.
FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, making it easy to assemble and bake in the morning.
How do I keep the rolls soft after baking? To keep the rolls soft, store them in an airtight container and reheat them covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and indulgent cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a birthday, or just a special breakfast, these rolls are bound to impress and delight with every bite