Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! The kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls infused with that delightful hint of cocoa, swirling with warm cinnamon and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s like a hug in pastry form! I remember pulling them out of the oven, and the vibrant red color just made them look so festive and inviting. The texture is unbelievably fluffy, and the flavor—oh wow, it’s like a sweet dance on your taste buds! Trust me, once you start making these, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a cozy afternoon treat. So, let’s get baking and bring some joy to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature for best results)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for sweetness and richness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the perfect frosting sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for adjusting frosting consistency)
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get down to the magic of making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Follow these steps, and I promise they’ll turn out wonderfully fluffy and delicious.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures even baking, giving you those perfectly golden rolls we all love. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, beaten egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first; that’s just part of the fun!
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Now it’s time to roll! Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Then, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle that heavenly mixture over the buttered dough. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other, creating a beautiful log. Carefully slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Pop those rolls into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a sweet bakery. Ooh la la, the anticipation is real!
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While your rolls are baking, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Whip it all together until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. It should be thick but smooth—just perfect for slathering on those warm rolls!
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, it’s time to frost them! Generously spread that luscious cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls so it melts a little into all those nooks and crannies. Serve them warm, and watch your friends and family dive in—these beauties are bound to disappear in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on brands and specific measurements. But, hey, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls offer a delightful mix of indulgence and comfort. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQs
Can I use different food coloring?
Absolutely! While I love the classic red hue that comes from using red food coloring, you can definitely experiment with different colors. Gel food coloring is my go-to for its vibrant results without adding too much liquid. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using blue, green, or even yellow for a fun twist on these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Just keep in mind that the flavor will remain the same, but the visual appeal will be uniquely yours!
How can I store leftover rolls?
If you happen to have any leftover rolls (which is rare, but it happens!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up in the oven or microwave. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious!
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If cream cheese isn’t your thing or you need a dairy-free option, no worries! You can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture and rich flavor. Alternatively, try using Greek yogurt for a lighter frosting—just be sure to drain it a bit to get the right consistency. You can also experiment with vegan cream cheese if you want a plant-based alternative. Each option brings its own twist, so feel free to get creative!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip the preheating step—starting with a hot oven is key to achieving that lovely rise and golden crust. Also, when rolling out the dough, be gentle but firm; if it tears, just patch it up and keep going. Another little trick: let the dough rest for about 10 minutes after mixing. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and shape. And when it comes to frosting, don’t frost them too soon! You want them warm, but let them cool for a few minutes so the frosting doesn’t just melt away. Lastly, feel free to get creative with your cinnamon-sugar filling—adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can take these rolls to the next level! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent flavor: The combination of rich cocoa and warm cinnamon creates a delightful taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive appearance: The vibrant red color makes these rolls a stunning centerpiece for any brunch or special occasion.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats without any fuss.
- Warm and gooey texture: Freshly baked rolls are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy get-together with friends, these rolls are sure to impress everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite extras, like nuts or chocolate chips, to make them uniquely yours!
- Quick prep and bake time: You can have these luscious rolls ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes!
- Leftover friendly: They can be easily stored and reheated, ensuring you can enjoy them for days after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are truly a treat on their own, but you can elevate the experience even further with some delightful accompaniments! Consider serving them alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy pairing that feels like a warm hug. If you want to add a fruity touch, a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries can bring a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rolls. For a brunch spread, they pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a charcuterie board featuring creamy cheeses and nuts. And don’t forget about a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for that little extra crunch! Trust me, these combinations will make your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls the star of the table!
For more delicious recipes, check out this cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe or these pumpkin cinnamon rolls!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Steps to Sweet Heaven
- Total Time: 45 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine milk, vegetable oil, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.
- Adjust baking time for larger rolls.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls