Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a rich red velvet flavor and a cream cheese frosting that makes them truly indulgent. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a sweet treat any time of the year!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Timing

Making Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for rising, and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the frothy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
3. Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

1. Frost and Enjoy: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (per roll, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
• Use Different Frosting: Try a vanilla glaze or chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them in the morning.

Conclusion

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the flavors of red velvet cake with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delightful recipe!