Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a rich red velvet dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. These rolls are perfect for special occasions or a cozy brunch!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

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

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Timing

Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls takes about 20 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, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: 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 clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well blended.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

1. Roll Up: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Cut Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: 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 set and lightly golden.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

1. Frost Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Serve: Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm!

Nutritional Information

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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the filling for extra sweetness.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for a unique twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive and delicious treat that combines the flavors of red velvet cake with the classic cinnamon roll. Perfect for brunch or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!