Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two worlds—soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls and the rich, velvety texture of red velvet. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls are a decadent twist on the traditional cinnamon rolls and are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even an indulgent weekend breakfast. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to make these irresistible treats from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then add the red food coloring. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
4. Roll and Cut:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
5. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
6. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. If the glaze is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve:
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the top of each roll. Serve warm.
Additional Tips (Serving & Storage):
- Serving: These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed rolls and thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat. Glaze them after thawing.
FAQs About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and filling.
2. Can I use a different filling instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! You can try different variations like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a fruit filling for a fun twist.
3. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise before following the baking instructions.
4. Can I make this recipe without the food coloring?
If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can skip it entirely. The rolls will still taste delicious, though they won’t have the signature red velvet color.
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the richness of red velvet with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a creamy glaze. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast or as a dessert, they are sure to impress. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have no trouble creating this stunning and delicious treat!
