Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite sweet treat to whip up: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! I remember the first time I made these beauties—it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted something cozy to enjoy with my family. The smell of warm cinnamon and cocoa wafting through the kitchen was pure magic! These rolls are not just visually stunning with their vibrant red color, but they’re also incredibly delicious, especially when slathered with that creamy frosting. Trust me, once you try these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, they’ll become a staple for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday brunch, birthday celebration, or just a special Saturday morning. You’re going to love how simple they are to make and how they bring everyone together around the table!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our rolls, giving them that lovely structure.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder – Adds a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the red velvet.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa and cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps our rolls rise and become fluffy!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acidity in the buttermilk to give the rolls a nice lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Makes the rolls tender and adds a slight tang that’s oh-so-delicious.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the dough moist and adds richness.
- 1 large egg – Binds all the ingredients together and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring – Gives those iconic red velvet rolls their beautiful color!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A flavor booster that complements the sweetness and cocoa.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Sweetens the filling and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star of the filling, bringing warmth and spice!
- 1/4 cup butter, softened – This creates a delicious layer of flavor when spread on the dough.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – The base of our luscious frosting that brings everything together.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection, making it dreamy and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the frosting.
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when those rolls are ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s blended nicely. In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. You’ll want a vibrant mixture that looks like liquid rubies! Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead it on a floured surface for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, this dough is a dream!
Assembling the Rolls
Now comes the fun part! Roll out your dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon generously. The aroma will already start to pull you in! Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. This is super important—tight rolling means fluffy, perfectly swirled rolls! Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place those beautiful slices into a greased baking dish, giving them a little space to rise.
Baking the Rolls
Pop the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they puff up beautifully and the tops are a lovely golden brown. The smell? Absolutely divine! Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before frosting. This cooling time is perfect for letting the rolls settle a bit, but don’t wait too long—you want that frosting to melt into every crevice!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. You’re looking for a spreadable, creamy texture that will just melt into those warm rolls. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Oh wow, you’re in for a treat!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the buttermilk and cream cheese. This helps everything mix together smoothly. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Also, be careful not to over-knead the dough; a few minutes is all you need for that perfect soft texture. When rolling the dough, aim for a tight roll to create those beautiful swirls—loose rolls can result in flat cinnamon rolls! And hey, if you find yourself with leftover frosting (which I doubt!), it makes a fantastic dip for fruit or graham crackers. Enjoy the process—it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re also a treat for your taste buds! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per roll, so you can enjoy them knowing what’s in each delicious bite:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, and can vary depending on specific brands you use. Enjoy these rolls in moderation, and savor every sweet, cinnamon-infused bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different food coloring?
Absolutely! While red food coloring gives these rolls their signature look, you can experiment with other colors if you want to switch things up. Just keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change based on the color you choose, but it’ll still be delicious!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk replacement!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you want to freeze them, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance! Just assemble them, place them in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky while kneading, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and your hands as needed. The goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough, but you can always adjust with a touch more flour to get the right consistency!
Variations of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! One of my favorites is to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch that complements the soft rolls beautifully. You could also experiment with different frostings—try a vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a rich twist! If you’re a chocolate lover, think about swirling in some mini chocolate chips into the filling for an extra indulgent treat. For a fruity spin, you can add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the dough and the filling. Each of these variations adds a unique twist, making your cinnamon rolls even more special. Get creative and have fun with it—you can’t go wrong with these delicious rolls!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, I’ve got a few delightful pairing ideas that will elevate your experience! First off, a steaming cup of coffee is a classic choice—its rich flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls. If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, a glass of cold milk is just divine; it balances out the cream cheese frosting beautifully.
For a cozy brunch vibe, consider serving these rolls alongside fresh fruit, like juicy strawberries or tangy raspberries, which add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls. You could also whip up a simple fruit compote to drizzle over the top for an extra fruity kick! And if you’re feeling indulgent, how about a scoop of vanilla ice cream? It melts into the warm rolls and makes for a heavenly dessert experience. Whatever you choose, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to steal the show!
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Indulgent Ways to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface and roll into a rectangle.
- Spread butter on the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place slices in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- While baking, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting.
- Let rolls cool for a few minutes, then frost with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These rolls can be frozen before baking.
- Adjust sugar to taste in frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Dessert