Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your brunch game with these luscious Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful twist on the classic treat. With their rich red hue, creamy frosting, and a swirl of cinnamon sugar, these rolls are a decadent indulgence that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend breakfast, each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more.
These red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist.
The Perfect Brunch Treat
When it comes to brunch, few dishes can compete with the allure of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they are a show-stopping centerpiece that can turn an ordinary breakfast into a memorable feast. Their vibrant color and rich flavors are sure to make a statement on your brunch table.
Imagine serving these rolls alongside fresh fruit, crisp bacon, and steaming coffee. Each roll is soft and fluffy, with a delightful cinnamon-sugar filling that oozes comfort. They are perfect for special occasions or simply for indulging on a cozy weekend morning.
What truly sets these rolls apart is the luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy, tangy finish. It's the perfect contrast to the sweet dough and decadent filling, elevating the experience and making each bite heavenly.
A Twist on Tradition
Red velvet may traditionally be seen in cakes, but introducing it into cinnamon rolls gives a fun twist to a beloved classic. The incorporation of cocoa powder and red food coloring not only creates a stunning visual appeal but also imbues the rolls with a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy trying innovative versions of traditional recipes. By combining the best elements of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, you'll create a delightful dessert that offers a unique eating experience, ensuring your guests won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
Moreover, these cinnamon rolls are versatile. Feel free to experiment with various fillings or frosting flavors, tailoring them to suit your taste while maintaining their core deliciousness.
Tips for Success
Baking these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is straightforward, but some tips can help you achieve perfection. First, ensure your milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Allowing the yeast to froth in warm milk is crucial, as this step ensures your dough will rise properly and yield fluffy rolls.
Additionally, kneading is key to developing the gluten in your dough. Don't skip this step or rush through it. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This will give your rolls the ideal texture.
Lastly, the frosting can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to frost the rolls. This can save you time on the day of serving, allowing you to enjoy the moment with your guests.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and measured before starting.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until combined.
Assemble the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over warm rolls.
Enjoy your Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm with a cup of coffee!
Storing and Reheating
After baking, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover rolls, they can be easily reheated in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat. Alternatively, reheating them in the oven at a low temperature for about 5-10 minutes can help restore their freshness.
For extra indulgence, consider adding a touch more frosting or a drizzle of chocolate before reheating, elevating the flavor to new heights.
Perfect Pairings
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A classic choice is freshly brewed coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and complements the flavors perfectly. Consider serving with a rich espresso for those who prefer a stronger kick.
Additionally, a cream-based beverage like a latte or cappuccino can offer a delightful contrast to the tangy cream cheese frosting. For a non-coffee option, a fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a zesty note that balances the rich flavors of the rolls.
If you're serving these rolls as a dessert, pair them with a sweet dessert wine or a dessert cocktail for a touch of sophistication and to impress your guests further.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding.
→ Are these rolls suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked rolls, then thaw and reheat them before serving.
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Elevate your brunch game with these luscious Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful twist on the classic treat. With their rich red hue, creamy frosting, and a swirl of cinnamon sugar, these rolls are a decadent indulgence that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend breakfast, each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more.
Created by: Tabitha Green
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until combined.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over warm rolls.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g