Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Decadent rolls with a twist! Indulge in these vibrant treats laced with rich cocoa and sweet cinnamon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (For the Cinnamon Filling)
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar (For the Cinnamon Filling)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (For the Cinnamon Filling)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (For the Cinnamon Filling)
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
- Pinch of salt (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency) (For the Cream Cheese Frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Dough In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until you have a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked. The dough should maintain its vibrant red color throughout.
- Step 2: First Rise Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. You’ll know the dough is ready when you press it with your finger and the indentation remains.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder in a small bowl until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. The addition of cocoa enhances the red velvet flavor profile while complementing the traditional cinnamon sweetness. Set aside at room temperature until needed.
- Step 4: Form the Cinnamon Rolls Once doubled, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, keeping the thickness even throughout. Spread the cinnamon filling mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Position the log seam-side down.
- Step 5: Cut and Second Rise Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 1.5 inches each. Arrange the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly. Cover and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Bake Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until they’re lightly golden on top and cooked through. If they begin to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
- Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Frost and Serve Allow the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading with frosting. The warmth will melt the frosting slightly into the crevices, creating an irresistible finish. Serve warm for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 17 grams
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 45 mg