Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet rolls that combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with rich red velvet flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a festive look and comforting taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to lukewarm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the yeast in it with a pinch of sugar. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and red food coloring. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until you create a spreadable paste that will infuse the rolls with rich warmth.
- Roll Out and Fill: After the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the surface, making sure every part is covered for consistent flavor in each roll.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. 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, roughly 30-45 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell irresistible. Avoid overbaking to keep the rolls tender inside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, blend together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or thickness as desired.
- Ice and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly but remain warm, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over each roll so it gently melts into every swirl. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use warm (not hot) milk and butter to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes to develop gluten for soft and chewy rolls.
- Roll the dough evenly into a rectangle to ensure uniform filling distribution and consistent roll sizes.
- Remove rolls from the oven when golden and springy to the touch to avoid overbaking.
- Apply cream cheese icing while rolls are warm but not hot to achieve a perfect melt without sliding off.
- Ensure yeast is fresh and properly proofed for best dough rise.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Icing, Breakfast, Dessert, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet
