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If you are craving a show-stopping, irresistibly soft treat that combines the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with a vibrant twist, then this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine rich red dough swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe turns an everyday breakfast into a celebratory moment, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings where you want to impress everyone with something both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls starts with a handful of simple, staple ingredients that you probably have on hand. Each element is essential, from the flour that creates that tender dough to the cinnamon sugar filling that brings warm spice and sweetness. Plus, the red food coloring delivers that signature vibrant hue, making these rolls as eye-catching as they are tasty.
- All-purpose flour (3½ cups): The foundation of our dough, providing structure and that perfect chew.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough base.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet/2¼ tsp): Responsible for the fluffy rise that makes these rolls so soft.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps with a gentle lift and tenderness in the dough.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Whole milk (1 cup, warmed): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + ½ cup for filling): Melted butter softens the dough, and softened butter creates a luscious, gooey filling.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and gives stability while keeping the dough tender.
- Red food coloring (2 tbsp): Gives these rolls their unforgettable red velvet appearance.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): The key for that deep caramel flavor in the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The warm spice that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- Cream cheese frosting ingredients: Cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar come together to create a tangy, silky topping.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Separately, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to infuse color and rich flavor. Gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms that’s slightly sticky but manageable. This step sets the stage for the dough’s perfect texture and that stunning red color.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten for that tender crumb. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rising time is where the yeast works its magic, resulting in pillowy rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough
While the dough is resting, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and fragrant. After your dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, sealing the edges to prevent leaks. Slice the log into 12 perfect rolls, each packed with swirls of that heavenly filling. This step is where red velvet meets classic cinnamon roll goodness.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes, which ensures the rolls will be delightfully fluffy and soft. Then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden edge while the center remains tender. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an inviting aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Make and Apply Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and silky. Once the rolls come out of the oven and cool slightly, generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting melts just a bit, soaking into every nook, making each bite irresistibly moist and tangy. This final touch completes your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe perfectly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair when serving your red velvet cinnamon rolls can elevate the experience even further. Consider sprinkling with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish or a scattering of festive red sprinkles for an extra pop of color. A few fresh berries on the side can also add a fresh contrast to the richness.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine brightest accompanied by simple breakfast staples like a fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait. For a brunch crowd, pair them with crispy bacon or savory scrambled eggs to create a balanced meal with both sweet and savory elements. Hot coffee or a creamy latte perfectly complement the cinnamon-sugar flavors, making mornings feel luxurious.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not shake things up by turning your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into individual serving jars layered with cream cheese frosting and crushed nuts? Or bake smaller rolls in muffin tins for neat, portable treats. Another fun idea is to use colored icing to create red velvet-themed patterns or messages, making these rolls a stunning centerpiece for birthdays or holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls (and believe me, they won’t last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and moist. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best avoided if you plan to enjoy them soon.
Freezing
To make life easier, you can freeze these beauties at the shaped roll stage or after baking and frosting. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then warm gently to refresh their softness. Freezing doesn’t compromise that iconic red hue or rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This wakes up the dough’s tenderness and softens the cream cheese frosting so it once again tastes freshly made. Pro tip: cover loosely with foil while warming to keep the moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of synthetic red food coloring?
Absolutely! Beet juice or powder works beautifully to give a natural red color. Keep in mind the shade might be a bit more muted, but it adds a lovely, earthy flavor that complements the cinnamon filling nicely.
What’s the difference between these rolls and regular cinnamon rolls?
The key difference lies in the addition of red food coloring and a touch of cocoa powder (optional) that creates the classic red velvet base. This elevates the traditional cinnamon roll into a more visually stunning and slightly richer treat.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. The slower rise will deepen the flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the filling and baking steps.
Is cream cheese frosting necessary?
While optional, cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly and enhances the red velvet profile. You can swap it for simple vanilla glaze or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate if you prefer.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Ensuring they are stored airtight and reheated gently helps maintain moisture. Also, avoid overbaking—cinnamon rolls should remain soft and tender with a slight gooey center for the best bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to delight your family or guests with a dessert-baked breakfast that bursts with color and flavor, give this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that makes any morning feel special and invites smiles with every bite. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, they’ll be your new go-to for cozy weekends and celebrations alike. Happy baking!
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a vibrant red dough flavored with cinnamon and layered with a rich brown sugar filling. Finished with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a delightful combination of soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 to 1¼ cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and let rise: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling and shape rolls: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the long side, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise and bake: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the frosting and serve: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For a more intense red color, increase the red food coloring slightly, but be cautious not to alter the dough consistency.
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can omit it or substitute with almond extract for a different flavor twist.
- Ensure the milk is just warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
- You can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate after the second rise; bake directly from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
