Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a combination of soft, pillowy dough and a rich, decadent topping. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. With the delightful twist of red velvet and the sweetness of cream cheese frosting, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, they are easy to make and incredibly satisfying, offering the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These red velvet cinnamon rolls stand out from the crowd with their vibrant red color, soft and fluffy texture, and a gooey, cinnamon-cocoa filling. Paired with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls take traditional cinnamon rolls to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and comforting. Plus, they’re made completely from scratch, ensuring fresh, homemade goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible red velvet cinnamon rolls:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the dough, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast for a light, fluffy texture.
• Active dry yeast: Essential for leavening the dough and creating the perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
• Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough, contributing to its soft texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough, helping create a smooth and supple texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
• Cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with a subtle chocolate flavor, complementing the red velvet theme.
• Red food coloring: Gives the dough its signature vibrant red hue.
• Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon filling for a rich, caramelized sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds the warm, spiced flavor to the cinnamon roll filling.
• Cream cheese: A must for the frosting, giving it its tangy and creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting and helps it achieve a smooth consistency.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Non-dairy milk: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
• Vegan butter: For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
• Gluten-free flour: To make these rolls gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it’s one that can be used for yeast-based recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add in the egg, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
2. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
3. Make the filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
4. Fill and roll the dough: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
5. Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
6. Make the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. If you’d like a thinner consistency, add a bit of milk.
7. Frost and serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the yeast proofing: It’s important to activate the yeast in warm milk before mixing it into the dough. This step ensures that your rolls rise properly and have a light, airy texture.
• Check the dough’s texture: The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it could affect the texture of the rolls.
• Use a toothpick to check doneness: To ensure your rolls are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
• Store leftovers properly: These red velvet cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice for a delightful breakfast spread. If you’re looking for a variation, you can experiment with different frostings, such as a classic vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re preparing these rolls for a special occasion, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking, and you’ll have freshly baked cinnamon rolls with minimal effort.

The Perfect Red Velvet Experience

These red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast or a simple weekend treat, they’re sure to impress everyone with their vibrant color, rich flavor, and fluffy texture. The added cream cheese frosting brings an extra layer of indulgence that will leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy these sweet, gooey rolls as a special indulgence or share them with loved ones for a memorable breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion

Red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough, warm cinnamon filling, and a rich, tangy frosting that takes these rolls to the next level. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, brunch, or just a weekend treat, these rolls are sure to impress everyone with their beautiful color, irresistible aroma, and delightful texture. This recipe is easy to follow, and with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a batch of decadent cinnamon rolls from scratch that will have your family and friends coming back for more. Treat yourself to this indulgent dessert that combines the best of red velvet and cinnamon rolls into one show-stopping treat!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe: This recipe combines the classic cinnamon roll with rich cheesecake, offering a creamy, indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting in red velvet cinnamon rolls.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: For a seasonal twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, these soft pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies bring warm spices and a chewy texture that complements the sweet flavor profile of red velvet cinnamon rolls.
• Apple Cinnamon Jam: This sweet and spiced apple cinnamon jam is a perfect pairing for cinnamon rolls. Its warm flavors would complement the red velvet cinnamon rolls, adding a fruity touch to your morning treat.

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