Introduction

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a truly mouthwatering recipe that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Get ready to indulge in the heavenly goodness of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Trust me, these sweet treats are worth every ounce of effort you put into making them. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delectable adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: a combination of the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake and the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon rolls. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! I make these irresistible treats when I want to surprise my loved ones with something extra special. The moment these rolls come fresh out of the oven, my family goes crazy for them. The soft, fluffy texture, the sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting, and the hint of warm cinnamon – it’s a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Dough:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon instant yeast

– 1/2 cup warm milk

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 1 large egg

– 1 tablespoon red food coloring

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing

For the Cinnamon Filling:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup packed brown sugar

– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– A pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, granulated sugar, and instant yeast.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough starts to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

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

5. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

7. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

8. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the ends by pinching them together.

9. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.

11. Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

12. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

13. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.

14. Serve the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls while they’re still warm and gooey. Enjoy every blissful bite!

Notes

I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, and I’ve found that using buttermilk instead of regular milk adds a delightful tanginess to the dough. Feel free to give it a try!

If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm milk before adding it to the dry ingredients.

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!

Variations

For a fun twist, you can add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling. The extra bursts of flavor and texture will take these rolls to a whole new level!

If you’re a fan of citrusy flavors, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese frosting. It adds a refreshing brightness that complements the richness of the rolls perfectly.

Equipment

No fancy equipment is needed for this recipe. Just a mixing bowl, a whisk, a rolling pin, and a baking dish will do the trick! However, if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, it can make the kneading process a breeze.

Storage

Though I doubt you’ll have any leftovers, you can store any uneaten Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven until they’re soft and gooey again.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of temperatures and textures is simply divine!

Pro Tips

When working with the dough, don’t be tempted to add too much flour. A slightly sticky dough will yield softer and fluffier rolls.

If you want to save some time in the morning, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

A: Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a quick defrost.

Q: Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese?

A: Of course! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can opt for a classic vanilla glaze or even a decadent chocolate ganache. Customize it to your heart’s content!

Okay, enough chit-chat! It’s time to embark on this Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll adventure. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these scrumptious treats that will leave them craving for more. Happy baking!