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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a festive twist on the classic cinnamon roll infused with vibrant red color and a hint of cinnamon spice, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion.

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
  • 2–4 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 to combine all the dry elements evenly.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare Filling and Roll Out Dough: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to make the filling. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, then spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface. Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling.
  5. Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them spaced in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Bake: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  8. Frost and Serve: Once baked, let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use mini chocolate chips in the filling for an added chocolate twist, or omit for classic cinnamon rolls.
  • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap during rises to prevent drying out.
  • For extra fluffy rolls, do not skip the second rise after shaping.
  • Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting for desired thickness – less milk for thicker frosting, more for thinner glaze.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, cream cheese frosting, red velvet dessert

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/