Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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The Story Behind Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cake originated in the early 20th century and quickly became a favorite for its unique flavor, soft texture, and vibrant color. By combining the richness of red velvet with the warmth of cinnamon rolls, this recipe creates a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts. These red velvet cinnamon rolls bring a festive flair to any breakfast or dessert table.

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Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Red Velvet Dough

The base of these cinnamon rolls is a soft red velvet dough, which gets its signature color from food coloring and its flavor from a hint of cocoa powder.

• Pro Tip: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without adding too much liquid to the dough.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

A classic cinnamon-sugar filling made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter is spread generously over the dough, giving the rolls their irresistible gooey center.

• Substitution Tip: You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly different texture, but brown sugar adds extra richness.

Cream Cheese Frosting

The rolls are topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls and enhances the red velvet flavor.

• Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.

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How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

• Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven preheated to 200°F, then turn it off and let the dough rise in the warm environment.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1. In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.

• Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust it with flour as you roll it out.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.

• Pro Tip: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolls cleanly without squashing them.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before frosting.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for thinning)

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
3. If needed, add milk a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.

• Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, add a splash of red or pink food coloring to the frosting!

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm red velvet cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Serving Suggestions

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee, latte, or a glass of cold milk for a cozy, indulgent treat. For special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, you can garnish the rolls with festive sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle chocolate chips or white chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough.

Red Velvet Pecan Rolls

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty, crunchy twist that complements the rich red velvet flavor.

Vegan Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk in both the dough and frosting. Make sure to use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting as well.

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Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight after the second rise. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them up before serving.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm.

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