Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls are soft and tender with a rich cocoa undertone and a creamy cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour Lower protein flour for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 package instant yeast Ensure it's fresh for optimal rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup whole milk Warm to 100-110°F to activate yeast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened For spreading over the dough.
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Use block-style for best consistency.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Mixing the dry and wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
Forming and kneading the dough
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Gently deflate the dough before shaping.
Roll, fill, and shape
- Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
Roll up and cut
- Starting at the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the seam.
- Cut the log into 9-12 even slices and place cut-side up in a greased pan.
Second rise and baking
- Cover the rolls and let them rise another 25-30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are set.
Make the cream cheese frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Finish and serve
- Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the crevices.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
These rolls are best served warm. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving. The rolls can be frozen after baking for longer storage.