Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting will take your breakfast game to a whole new level! This delightful recipe combines soft and luscious rolls with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and a rich cream cheese frosting that makes the whole experience feel indulgent. The brilliant red hue of the dough offers a joyful visual appeal, making them perfect for special occasions or just a cozy family gathering. With their perfect texture, these rolls bring a touch of decadence to your mornings, and the aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake is enough to elevate anyone’s mood. Plus, they’re worth making for their eye-catching beauty and heavenly taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is not just about taste; it captures the essence of comfort food with minimal effort. It boasts a simple prep process that even novice bakers can tackle with confidence. The warm cinnamon filling alone will become a family favorite, making it a hit with both adults and kids alike. You won’t need a pile of ingredients—just the essentials to create these soft and fluffy rolls that can easily become your new weekend tradition. Whether you prefer a quick treat or a more traditional baking experience, this recipe is a seamless blend of both worlds.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

To create these scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon red food coloring
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Combine All Elements

Now, add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well. You should see a beautiful, vivid red color emerge as the ingredients blend together.

4. Add Flour

Gradually add 4 cups of the all-purpose flour, stirring until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. You might need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

5. First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle, approximately 16×20 inches, on a lightly floured surface.

7. Apply Butter and Filling

Spread the softened butter over the dough rectangle. Then, sprinkle a delightful mix of brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top.

8. Shape the Rolls

Starting from one end of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 to 15 equal slices to create your rolls.

9. Second Rise

Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up nicely.

10. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the kitchen is filled with a heavenly aroma.

11. Frosting Creation

While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well, and add a tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

12. Serve

Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously frost them with the cream cheese mixture. Serve warm and watch everyone delight in every bite!

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your cinnamon rolls are perfectly fluffy, take the time to activate the yeast correctly. If your kitchen is a bit cool, try placing the dough in a warmed oven (turned off) for a cozy rising environment. For added flavor, consider a sprinkle of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of vanilla or almond extract in the cream cheese frosting can elevate the taste even further. Lastly, for easier slicing, use a bench scraper to cut through the dough without squishing the rolls.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect served fresh out of the oven for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Consider serving alongside fresh berries or a side of whipped cream to add a fruity component that balances the richness of the rolls. For a festive touch, try dusting the cream cheese frosting with cocoa powder or sprinkles.

Nutritional Information

While these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are undoubtedly a delicious indulgence, they also come with their share of calories. Each roll may contain approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size and how lavishly you frost them. It’s worth noting that while sweet treats are fantastic on occasion, they can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, simply keep them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze the rolls before frosting them. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for a couple of minutes for a fresh-baked experience. For healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a slightly denser roll. You could also create delightful variations by incorporating mini chocolate chips into the filling for a richer flavor or experimenting with flavored extracts in the frosting.

Conclusion for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you haven’t yet tried making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting, now is the perfect time! Indulge yourself with this tender, flavorful treat; it might just become your new favorite recipe for celebrations and family gatherings. Treat yourself and your loved ones with the gift of home-baked goodness—the soft rolls and creamy frosting will make every bite irresistible.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast! Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the activation step.

2. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day in advance and place them in the refrigerator. Allow them to rise at room temperature before baking.

3. Is it possible to reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. However, the frosting will need to be adjusted for sweetness.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?
Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a buttery vanilla frosting would work beautifully as well.

5. Are the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls easy to make gluten-free?
Yes, by simply substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily adapt this recipe for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure the yeast used is also gluten-free.

Now roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the warmth of these delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting!