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Best Recipe for Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat in many households, but when you add the rich, luxurious flavor of red velvet into the mix, you create something truly special. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, fluffy, and indulgent, with a slight tang that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, these rolls will be a hit.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making the best red velvet cinnamon rolls, step by step. From the dough to the luscious cream cheese frosting, I’ll cover every detail to ensure you get the softest, fluffiest, and most decadent rolls possible. So, let’s dive in!

What Makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Special?

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring the deep red color and flavor profile of red velvet cake. Here’s what sets them apart:

Red Velvet Flavor: Red velvet cake is known for its mild cocoa flavor with a touch of buttermilk, making it rich and slightly tangy. This flavor carries over into the cinnamon rolls, giving them a one-of-a-kind taste.
The Color: The vibrant red color makes these cinnamon rolls visually striking, perfect for holiday gatherings, special breakfasts, or celebrations.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the rolls, adding a smooth, creamy layer of flavor.

Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To make these heavenly rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dough Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough; gives structure and softness.
Sugar: For sweetness and to feed the yeast.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become soft.
Milk: Provides moisture to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Egg: Helps bind the dough together and gives it structure.
Cocoa powder: Gives the rolls their signature mild chocolate flavor.
Red food coloring: Gives the rolls their vibrant red hue.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients

Brown sugar: Provides a deep sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs perfectly with the dough.
Butter: Softened butter helps the filling stick to the dough and adds richness.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, providing richness and tang.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency.
Butter: Adds a smooth texture and flavor to the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting.

Nutritional Value of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a quick look at the nutritional value per serving of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

Nutrient	Amount per serving (1 roll)
Calories	350
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fiber	2g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sugar	22g
Sodium	200mg

How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The first step in making these cinnamon rolls is preparing the dough.

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon filling.

Combine the filling ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Stir until the ingredients form a smooth paste.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out.

Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges.
Roll up the dough: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
Slice the rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough into 12 even rolls.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Now that your rolls are prepared, it’s time to bake them.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the rolls: Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they’re snug against each other.
Let them rise again: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting.

Mix the frosting ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk. Whisk until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are out of the oven and have slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Allow the frosting to melt into the warm rolls, creating a creamy layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls without red food coloring?
While the food coloring adds the signature red velvet look, you can skip it if you prefer. The taste will remain the same, though you’ll miss the beautiful red color.

Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes! You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place the unbaked rolls in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once you’re ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked rolls and warm them up in the oven before serving.

Q: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar. You can also add a bit of Greek yogurt to the frosting to make it less sweet and more tangy.

Serving Suggestions

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas to serve them:

Breakfast: Serve these rolls as part of a special weekend breakfast or brunch.
Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner with a cup of coffee or tea.
Holiday gatherings: These rolls make a festive addition to any holiday table, especially for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or Easter.

Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect recipe for heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. With a tender, flavorful dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and a creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a showstopper. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, they are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls.