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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder - ½ cup whole milk, warmed - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons red food coloring - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons milk Gather these ingredients before you start. Each item plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Yeast makes the rolls rise, and salt enhances flavor. Baking powder and baking soda create fluffiness. Cocoa powder gives that classic red velvet taste. For the wet ingredients, warm milk activates the yeast. The egg adds richness and helps bind. Melted butter gives moisture, and red food coloring brings that vibrant color. For the frosting, use softened cream cheese for smoothness. Powdered sugar sweetens it up. Vanilla extract adds depth, while milk adjusts texture. Make sure you have everything ready. This way, you’ll enjoy a smooth cooking process. Happy baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Whisk these together until they blend well. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together: - ½ cup warmed whole milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons red food coloring Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. Now, let’s make the filling. Start by spreading ½ cup of softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Leave a small edge around the sides. In a separate bowl, combine: - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon Mix these together. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. This creates a sweet and spicy filling. Next, roll the dough. Starting from one long side, tightly roll it into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. This helps keep the rolls neat and pretty. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover them with a towel. Let them rise for about 30 minutes. This will make them fluffy and soft. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. They should look lightly golden when done. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, blend: - 1 cup softened cream cheese - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons milk Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting will make the rolls extra special. Once the rolls cool a bit, ice them with this delicious cream cheese frosting. Enjoy every bite! To get the best texture for your dough, start with the right flour. Use all-purpose flour for a soft roll. Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Mixing is key too. Combine the dry ingredients well before adding wet ones. When kneading, aim for about 5 to 7 minutes. Your dough should feel smooth and elastic. If it sticks, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a touch of milk. The rise is important for fluffy rolls. Make sure your yeast is fresh. Instant yeast works well and does not need activation. Warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) but do not overheat it. Too hot can kill the yeast. After mixing your dough, let it rise in a warm place. A cozy spot like near an oven works great. Cover the bowl with a towel. Wait for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here! For a creamy frosting, start with softened cream cheese. It should be at room temperature, which helps it mix well. Blend the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract for flavor and milk for the right consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. For a fun touch, drizzle extra frosting on top. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or nuts adds a nice look. Enjoy the creamy goodness! Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast for the best rise and fluffiness in your rolls. Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) and that your eggs are at room temperature to help activate the yeast effectively. Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy rolls, so be patient! Frost While Warm: Frosting the rolls while they are still warm allows the frosting to melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze effect. {{image_2}} To make chocolate chip red velvet cinnamon rolls, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling. Mix in about 1 cup of chocolate chips with the brown sugar and cinnamon before spreading on the dough. The chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the red velvet. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for a sweet touch. If you need a nut-free recipe, simply skip any nuts in the filling or toppings. The main ingredients in this recipe are naturally nut-free. Always check your frosting ingredients too, as some brands may add nuts. You can enjoy these rolls without worry! To make vegan red velvet cinnamon rolls, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based milk instead of whole milk and swap the butter for vegan butter. For the frosting, use a vegan cream cheese alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats! To keep your red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. Just note that chilling may slightly affect their soft texture. Freezing your cinnamon rolls is a great option for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about two hours until firm. After that, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating your cinnamon rolls keeps them soft and tasty. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just heat them for about 15-20 seconds. Add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting after reheating for extra flavor! Yes, you can make these red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time. Prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover them tightly and place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This way, you get fresh rolls without the long wait. If you want a natural option, try using beet juice instead of red food coloring. It gives a nice color and adds some nutrients. You can also use pomegranate juice, but it may change the taste. Both options work well and keep your rolls vibrant. Check the rolls for a light golden color on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the rolls are done. Don’t overbake them, as they can become dry quickly. Yes, you can make gluten-free red velvet cinnamon rolls. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have tasty gluten-free rolls. In this post, we explored the simple steps to make red velvet cinnamon rolls. We covered the key ingredients, including dry and wet components, plus frosting details. You learned to mix the dough, prepare the filling, and bake the rolls. I shared tips for perfect dough texture, optimal rising, and creamy frosting. Don't forget the fun variations and how to store these treats. Enjoy these rolls fresh or save some for later! With these skills, you can master this delicious recipe and share it with loved ones. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious and colorful cinnamon rolls with a red velvet twist, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 cups butter, softened
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Whisk until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, egg, melted butter, and red food coloring until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape approximately 16x12 inches.
  • Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  • Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
  • Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover them again with the towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by blending the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before icing with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Optional: Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting over the top and sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa powder or chopped nuts for presentation!
Keyword cinnamon rolls, dessert, red velvet