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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.6 from 102 reviews

Deliciously soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls swirled with a spiced cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
  • 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

Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together to create the filling. Optional: stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
  5. Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: Roll the risen dough out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough surface.
  6. Shape Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
  8. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
  9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • The mini chocolate chips in the filling are optional but add a delicious twist to traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast.
  • Kneading the dough sufficiently is key to developing the gluten and achieving fluffy rolls.
  • Allow the dough to rise properly for soft and airy rolls.
  • Frost the rolls while still warm for easy spreading and better absorption.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast, Dessert, American Bakery, Sweet Rolls