Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: red velvet cinnamon rolls! I remember the first time I made these beauties; the kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. The vibrant red color paired with the rich cocoa and that warm, spicy cinnamon just makes my heart sing! These rolls are not just visually stunning; they’re soft, fluffy, and topped with the most decadent cream cheese icing. I love serving them on special occasions, but honestly, any day feels like a celebration when these are involved. Trust me, once you try these red velvet cinnamon rolls, you’ll understand why they have a special place in my heart (and stomach)!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and some special touches. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your dough, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the red velvet.
- 1/2 cup sugar: For sweetness; you can adjust based on your preference!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the rolls rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity in the cocoa to give a nice lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk: For moisture and a soft texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: A must for that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: This is what gives the rolls that iconic red hue. It’s essential!
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Because everything’s better with a hint of vanilla.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The warm spice that makes these rolls irresistible!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the icing, bringing creaminess and tang.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and that perfect icing consistency.
How to Prepare *Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls*
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these gorgeous red velvet cinnamon rolls! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your rolls are ready to bake!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla extract until it’s all smooth and well blended. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overdo it; a few lumps are totally fine!
Now, dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle—about 12×18 inches. Spread some melted butter over the dough, then mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together before sprinkling it generously on top. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a beautiful spiral of flavor!
Carefully slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces, and place them in a greased baking dish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and fluffy. Trust me, the smell will be irresistible!
While they’re baking, whip up the icing by mixing the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before drizzling that luscious icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are truly a delightful treat that you won’t want to miss out on! Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick to prepare: With just about 50 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up in no time!
- Unique flavor combination: The rich chocolatey taste of cocoa paired with warm cinnamon creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Perfect for special occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend, these rolls add a festive touch.
- Great for sharing: They’re a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Tips for Success
Here are my best tips to ensure your red velvet cinnamon rolls come out perfectly every time! First, when you’re rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is well-floured. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to roll into that perfect rectangle. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour as needed.
Keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is a bit different! Start checking the rolls at the 25-minute mark; they should be puffed and no longer doughy in the center. For the icing, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency. Drizzle the icing while the rolls are still warm for that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth effect. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your red velvet cinnamon rolls! For a twist, try adding a cream cheese filling by mixing a bit more cream cheese with sugar and spreading it inside the rolled dough before adding the cinnamon and brown sugar. You can also switch up the toppings—how about a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence or sprinkle some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch?
Feeling fruity? Toss in some chopped strawberries or raspberries before rolling for a fruity burst. And if you want to go all out, try a maple glaze instead of the cream cheese icing for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the rolls in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal them well to keep that fluffy texture intact!
If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the rolls before baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months! When you’re ready to bake, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. You can also warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Trust me, you’ll want to enjoy these rolls warm and gooey with that cream cheese icing melting on top!
Nutritional Information
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also have some nutritional details worth noting! Each roll contains approximately 250 calories, which makes them a delightful indulgence. You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. For those counting their sugars, each roll has around 15 grams of sugar. They also provide 4 grams of protein and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these rolls in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I make these red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you’re out of red food coloring, you can skip it, but your rolls won’t have that signature red hue. Alternatively, you can use beet juice for a natural coloring option!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the rolls a bit denser. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right dough consistency.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The rolls are ready when they are puffed up and lightly golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of one roll; if it comes out clean, they’re done!
What can I serve with red velvet cinnamon rolls?
These rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. You could even add some fresh berries on the side for a fruity contrast!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place slices in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- For icing, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen before baking.
- Top with nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet, cinnamon rolls, dessert