Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction: If you’re a fan of indulgent, soft, and flavorful pastries, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings. With a vibrant red color and a touch of cocoa, these rolls offer a delicious blend of sweetness and warmth that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these cinnamon rolls will stand out with their unique twist on the classic recipe. Add cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence, and you’ve got a dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened 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
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
5. Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until fluffy.
6. Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm for the best experience!

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serve these red velvet cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect on their own, or you can pair them with a hot cup of coffee or milk.
• If you have leftovers, cover them tightly and store them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
• You can also freeze these rolls for up to 2 months. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

Variations:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the filling for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Nutty Delight: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and filling, or skip the frosting for a more subtle taste.
• Vegan: To make these rolls vegan, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute plant-based butter and eggs.

FAQ:

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just punch it down and proceed with the rolling and baking steps the next day.
2. What if I don’t have red food coloring? If you prefer not to use red food coloring, you can omit it, though the rolls will not have the signature red color. Alternatively, you can use natural food coloring from beets for a more natural option.
3. How can I make these rolls even fluffier? Make sure the dough is kneaded well and given enough time to rise. A slow and steady rise leads to softer rolls. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with the light on or another warm spot to encourage rising.
4. Can I use a different frosting? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy making these delectable Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!