Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Delight in irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing—soft, sweet, and perfect for every breakfast or dessert craving! This recipe offers the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls fused with the rich, velvety essence of red velvet, topped with luscious cream cheese icing that melts perfectly over each swirl. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these rolls bring a festive flair and comforting taste that’s simply unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines the nostalgic taste of cinnamon rolls with the distinct richness of red velvet cake.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Tender, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Perfect Cream Cheese Icing: The icing balances sweetness with a hint of tang, elevating the overall flavor.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser anytime.
• Visual Appeal: Vibrant red swirls inside the rolls add an irresistible pop of color to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All ingredients in this recipe are simple but play a crucial role—each one contributes to the taste, texture, and vibrant color of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. From the rich cocoa powder to the smooth cream cheese, every component brings the magic alive.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft and elastic dough with great structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and filling to balance flavors.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the dough the subtle chocolate undertone essential for red velvet.
• Active dry yeast: Ensures a light, airy rise for the dough’s fluffy texture.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture essential for tender rolls.
• Butter: Softens the dough and enriches the filling with a creamy texture.
• Eggs: Help bind ingredients and provide structure.
• Red food coloring: Delivers the signature deep red hue that defines red velvet.
• Cinnamon: The heart of the filling, bringing warmth and spice.
• Brown sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-flavored, perfect for the filling.
• Cream cheese: The main component in the icing, lending a tangy creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the icing’s flavor.

Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

This recipe invites creativity! Feel free to tailor the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing to your taste, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. It’s super easy to swap or add ingredients to make it your own special treat.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the rolls for extra indulgence.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a cream cheese substitute to keep the rolls dairy-free.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for an exotic spice kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a softer but satisfying version.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk until lukewarm and dissolving the yeast in it with a pinch of sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and red food coloring. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until combined into a spreadable paste. This luscious filling will infuse each roll with rich warmth.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, ensuring every corner is covered for an even taste.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Slice the log into evenly sized rolls and arrange them snugly in a greased baking pan. Cover and let the rolls rise again until puffy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until golden brown and irresistibly fluffy, about 20-25 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen will be truly irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, blend softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or thickness to your liking.

Step 7: Ice and Serve

Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top so it gently melts into every swirl. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

• Warm Ingredients: Ensure milk and butter are warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
• Knead Well: Knead dough for at least 8-10 minutes to develop gluten for soft and chewy rolls.
• Even Rolling: Roll dough into a uniform rectangle to ensure even filling distribution and consistent roll sizes.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch carefully and pull rolls out when golden and springy to keep them tender inside.
• Icing Timing: Apply cream cheese icing while rolls are warm but not hot to get that perfect melt without sliding off.
• Use Fresh Yeast: For best rise, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly proofed before mixing.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Garnishes

Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top creates beautiful contrast and an inviting look. Chopped nuts can provide a lovely crunch garnish finish as well.

Side Dishes

Pair your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit salad, a cup of rich coffee, or a glass of cold milk to balance sweetness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by edible flower petals or place them in decorative ramekins for a charming brunch presentation. You can also drizzle extra cream cheese icing at the table for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months, perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore that fluffy, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls a day before, refrigerate after the second rise, and bake fresh the next morning for best results.

What can I substitute for red food coloring?

You can use natural food colorings like beet juice powder or omit the coloring altogether; the rolls will have a more subtle hue but delicious flavor.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes, by swapping dairy milk for plant-based milk, butter for vegan margarine, and cream cheese with a vegan alternative, you can enjoy a vegan version.

How long do these rolls stay fresh?

They’re best eaten within two days at room temperature, but properly stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh up to a week.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just ensure your mixing tools and baking pans are large enough to handle the increased dough volume.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few steps away from homemade magic! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing bring a delightful twist on a classic favorite—a perfect blend of color, flavor, and texture that will brighten up your mornings or satisfy your dessert cravings. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes everyone’s new obsession.

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