Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! These beauties are a staple for me during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or really any time I need a little pick-me-up. The rich, velvety flavor paired with that warm, gooey cinnamon filling is just heavenly. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! And don’t even get me started on the cream cheese frosting – it’s the cherry on top that makes each bite absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try these rolls, they’ll become your new favorite sweet treat, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your dough, giving it structure and texture.
- 1 cup milk: Use warm milk to help activate the yeast and create a tender roll. If you’re feeling adventurous, try buttermilk for an extra rich flavor!
- 1/2 cup sugar: This adds sweetness to the dough, making it perfectly delightful.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Melted butter gives the rolls a rich, buttery flavor and helps create that soft texture.
- 1 large egg: The egg helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Just a touch of cocoa to give that classic red velvet flavor without overpowering the sweet rolls.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: This is what gives your cinnamon rolls that gorgeous red hue! Adjust as needed for your desired color.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: Essential for making the rolls rise and giving them that pillowy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This is what makes the cinnamon filling extra gooey and delicious!
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the filling, adding that cozy, warm spice that we all love.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This is for the frosting! It needs to be softened so it spreads easily over your warm rolls.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that luscious cream cheese frosting.
With all these ingredients ready to go, you’re one step closer to cinnamon roll heaven! Let’s get rolling!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Follow my step-by-step guide, and soon you’ll be savoring these warm, gooey delights topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, let’s get that yeast going! In a bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. You want the milk to be warm but not hot—think cozy bath temperature! Let this sit for about 5 minutes. This little wait allows the yeast to wake up and get bubbly, which is what makes your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add some flavor! To your yeast mixture, stir in melted butter, sugar, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You’ll start to see that vibrant red color come to life, and I promise, it’s a sight to behold!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, let’s bring in the dry ingredients. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Don’t rush this—adding it bit by bit helps keep things from getting too lumpy. Once it’s all in, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-7 minutes; trust me, it’s a labor of love!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. This is when the magic happens! You’ll want it to double in size, getting all fluffy and light. It’s the perfect time to think about how amazing these rolls are going to taste!
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into 12 beautiful rolls. Wow, they’re looking good already!
Step 6: Second Rise
Place your rolls in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not squished. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures they’ll be soft and pillowy when they bake—trust me, you want this step!
Step 7: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your rolls have risen, pop them in the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven!
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While those rolls are baking, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Once your rolls are out of the oven, spread this dreamy frosting over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into all those crevices. Oh my goodness, you won’t be able to resist!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown for one of these scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
With all that deliciousness, these rolls are definitely a treat worth indulging in, so enjoy them in moderation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon rolls creates a flavor that’s totally out of this world!
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: These rolls are a showstopper at birthdays, holidays, or brunch with friends.
- Warm and Gooey: Each bite is soft, warm, and filled with that irresistible cinnamon goodness.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Topping them with homemade cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level of deliciousness!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with different fillings or toppings to match your taste!
- Great for Leftovers: They’re just as tasty the next day (if they last that long!) and reheat beautifully.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share that will elevate your baking game!
- Use Buttermilk: For an even richer flavor, swap regular milk for buttermilk. It adds a wonderful tanginess and makes the rolls extra moist!
- Adjust the Food Coloring: If you want a more vibrant red, don’t be shy with the food coloring! Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a tablespoon and add more if needed.
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Knead Well: Spend a few extra minutes kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives your rolls that lovely chewy texture.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise fully! If it hasn’t doubled in size after an hour, give it a little more time. Patience is key for fluffy rolls.
- Grease Your Baking Dish: Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking. You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever you have on hand!
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, especially with that luscious cream cheese frosting melting on top!
- Store Properly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for longer. Just warm them up a bit before serving!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! These variations are simple to make and can add a fun twist to your traditional recipe. Let’s dive in!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for a lovely crunch. They pair beautifully with the soft rolls and add a nice nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the filling along with the brown sugar and cinnamon. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness that make each bite even more irresistible!
- Berry Bliss: For a fruity twist, add fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries to the filling. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly!
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of regular cream cheese frosting, mix in some maple syrup for a delightful maple flavor. It’s a perfect pairing with the red velvet base!
- Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Swap out the cinnamon filling for a pumpkin spice mixture! Combine pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar for a cozy fall-inspired treat.
- Lemon Zest Frosting: Brighten things up by adding some lemon zest to your cream cheese frosting. The citrusy notes will give your rolls a refreshing burst of flavor!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of your frosted rolls for a decadent finish. It adds a rich sweetness that takes these rolls to a whole new level!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. The possibilities are endless, and each version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh so you can enjoy them even after the first day! Proper storage is key to maintaining their soft, gooey goodness.
First, once your rolls have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. If you don’t have one handy, you can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 1-2 days.
If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat them before serving, because warm rolls are where the magic happens!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftover rolls, there are a couple of great reheating methods. For a quick fix, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm them up nicely, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get tough!
If you want to keep that fresh-baked texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet, and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, and voilà! You’ll have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls just like they were fresh out of the oven.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor every last bite of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Enjoy!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Irresistible Comforts
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve desired color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls