Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Perfectly soft and sweet, these rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing together the unique flavors of red velvet cake and cinnamon. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re ideal for any festive brunch or as a decadent dessert. Let’s dive into this easy baking recipe that promises sweet satisfaction!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for color and flavor)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (make sure it’s not too hot to avoid cooking the egg)
  • 1 large egg (preferably at room temperature for better incorporation)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid, for that vibrant red hue)
• For the Filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (should be at room temperature for easy spreading)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark brown sugar can be used for different flavors)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust based on personal preference for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (to enhance the chocolate notes)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (allow it to sit out at room temperature for easy mixing)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (this helps the frosting blend smoothly)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for a lump-free consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (add more for a stronger flavor if desired)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency, add gradually)

Steps / Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure an even mix, which is crucial for achieving that perfect texture in your rolls.
2. In another bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined. The mixture should appear uniform and slightly frothy, indicating that the ingredients are properly blended.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should spring back when poked gently, indicating it has been kneaded enough.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential as the yeast ferments and produces carbon dioxide, leading to that airy texture.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until well combined and spreadable. Aim for a consistency similar to that of peanut butter for easy spreading.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16×24 inches). Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
7. Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges to prevent spilling out during rolling.
8. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal well to ensure the filling does not escape during baking.
9. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to become fluffy and light.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F. Keep an eye on them; they should look puffy and inviting!
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Aim for a spreadable yet thick frosting.
12. Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, making it irresistibly gooey!

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and cream cheese, which will facilitate easier mixing and a smoother frosting. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate the kneaded dough overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before rolling out. You can learn more about this topic. Remember, a warm environment will help the dough rise more effectively.

To store your Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without frosting. Just thaw and frost when ready to serve. Check out our related guide for more tips, including how to reheat them for the best taste!

A common mistake is overbaking the cinnamon rolls, which can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they remain soft and fluffy. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean, but avoid overbaking just to be safe.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You could also experiment with flavored cream cheese frosting, such as adding a little peppermint extract for a seasonal touch. Other ideas include swirling in some fruit preserves or adding a hint of orange zest to brighten the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are great on their own, but for a complete brunch experience, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light salad. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a festive holiday drink for an indulgent morning treat. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed nuts for that extra flair! A dollop of whipped cream on the side can also enhance the overall experience.

Print

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 12 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Perfectly soft and sweet, these rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing together the unique flavors of red velvet cake and cinnamon. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they're ideal for any festive brunch or as a decadent dessert.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for filling)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

Directions

1.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure an even mix.

2.

In another bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.

3.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until well combined.

6.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16x24 inches).

7.

Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.

8.

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.

9.

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

10.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

11.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.

12.

Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.