Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of rich red velvet cake with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon rolls. Perfectly soft and fluffy, they are topped with a smooth cream cheese icing that melts beautifully over the warm rolls. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Icing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms, ensuring no pockets of flour remain.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick, to prepare it for filling.
- Spread Butter: Evenly spread the melted butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough to help the filling adhere and enhance flavor.
- Add Filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter-covered dough for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape to prepare for slicing.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, ensuring even-sized rolls for uniform baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls cut side up with some space between each to allow rising.
- Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Icing: While the rolls bake, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy to create the delicious icing.
- Serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better dough texture.
- Adjust red food coloring quantity for more vibrant red color if desired.
- For a richer filling, you can add chopped nuts or raisins with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before icing to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven for fresh-baked taste.
