Why Make This Recipe
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on a classic treat. Their rich red color and creamy frosting make them perfect for special occasions or a delightful breakfast. The blend of cinnamon, chocolate chips, and cream cheese frosting creates a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love. Making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch is not only fun but also allows you to enjoy them warm right out of the oven.
How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the surface and then roll the dough tightly from one end to the other. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Place the slices in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are baked, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm. Serve them fresh out of the oven, drizzled with extra frosting, alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet dessert.
How to Store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when mixing the dough; this helps activate the yeast.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the frosting.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring based on your preferred depth of color.
Variation
You can customize these cinnamon rolls by adding nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even your favorite spices. For a festive twist, consider incorporating peppermint extract during the holiday season.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise in the refrigerator, then take it out to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you can skip it, but the rolls will not have that signature red velvet look.
3. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! You can use a simple vanilla glaze, chocolate frosting, or any other favorite frosting.
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Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3.5 cups 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup 1 cup whole milk, warmed Make sure the milk is warm but not hot.
- 0.25 cups ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp red food coloring Adjust based on preferred color depth.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling
- 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cups ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cups ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the frosting
- 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp 2-4 tbsp milk To adjust frosting consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. Mix well until fully combined.
Roll and Assemble
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the filling evenly over the surface and then roll the dough tightly from one end to the other.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices.
Bake the Rolls
- Place the slices in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.
Make the Frosting
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Frost and Serve
- Once the rolls are baked, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
