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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and enjoy indulging in sweet, colorful treats, then Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect recipe to try! These cinnamon rolls take the classic, warm, and gooey comfort food and add a vibrant twist with the luxurious, rich flavor and bold color of red velvet. With a soft, pillowy dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a treat that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests for a special brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how you can make these indulgent rolls at home!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
- Unique Twist on a Classic: These rolls take your usual cinnamon roll and give it a vibrant and fun red velvet spin. The deep red color and subtle chocolate flavor elevate the flavor profile while maintaining the delicious, comforting appeal of traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Perfectly Soft & Fluffy: The dough is incredibly soft and tender, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. When paired with the cinnamon-sugar filling, every bite is a delightful explosion of sweetness.
- Luscious Cream Cheese Glaze: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly. It’s the cherry on top of an already indulgent dessert or breakfast.
- Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a fun weekend brunch, the vibrant red color and irresistible flavor of these rolls make them perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (for that iconic red velvet color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for an extra chocolatey touch)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream, for a smoother consistency)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is activated and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The dough should come together into a sticky, slightly tacky ball. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want to keep the dough soft.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Set aside. You’ll use this mixture to generously fill the rolls.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border on the edges.
7. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Be generous with the filling to ensure that each roll has plenty of flavor.
8. Roll Up the Dough:
Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the longer edge to create a long log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the dough into 8-10 rolls. Each roll should be about 1-1.5 inches wide.
9. Second Rise:
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up.
