Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re an experience. Imagin extracte waking up to the non-intoxicating aroma of warm spices mingling with the subtle sweetness of cocoa, all wrapped in a vibrant crimson hue. That’s the magic of these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! We all know and love the classic cinnamon roll, but this festive twist takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. The tender, pillowy dough is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and the signature red velvet coloring adds a delightful visual surprise that’s perfect for holidays or just making an ordinary morning extraordinary. And the crowning glory? A luscious, tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly balances the sweetness and spice. Get ready to fall head over heels for these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Get ready to indulge in a truly decadent treat! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a vibrant twist on a classic, combining the rich, slightly chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting spice of cinnamon, all swirled together and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. They’re perfect for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you deserve something amazing. The striking red hue makes them as beautiful as they are delicious, and the combination of soft, fluffy dough and gooey filling is simply irresistible. Don’t be intimidated by yeast-based dough; with a little patience and these detailed instructions, you’ll be enjoying these show-stopping rolls in no time.

Ingredients:

Making the Dough

The foundation of any great cinnamon roll is a soft, pillowy dough. We’ll start by activating our yeast. In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup warm milk (make sure it’s around 110°F – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it) and the 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast. Stir in the ¼ cup granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should see it become foamy and bubbly, which indicates that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Once the yeast is activated, add the ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, the 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Now it’s time for some kneading! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead it for about 6-8 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly sticky but shouldn’t stick excessively to your hands or the counter.

The Red Velvet Transformation

This is where the magic happens! Once your dough is nicely kneaded and smooth, it’s time to incorporate that signature red velvet color. We’ll add the 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring. Start with 1 teaspoon and knead it in until it’s evenly distributed. If you desire a deeper red hue, add the second teaspoon and knead again. Gel food coloring is best as it provides intense color without adding too much liquid, which can alter the dough consistency. Knead until the color is uniform and vibrant throughout the dough.

Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the red dough into the greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A good trick for a warm place is to turn your oven on the “proof” setting or the lowest temperature for a minute, then turn it off and place the bowl inside.

Assembling the Swirls

Once your red dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness.

Now for the luscious filling! In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients together until they form a spreadable paste. Generously spread this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out red dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll.

Starting from the long edge that is fully covered with filling, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Using a sharp knife or dental floss (which makes for cleaner cuts!), cut the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1.5 inches thick.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices cut-side up in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are close but not touching. They will expand as they bake.

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rest for another 20-30 minutes. This second rise helps to create those wonderfully fluffy, airy layers.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

The Dreamy Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up the classic cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the 4 oz softened cream cheese and the remaining ¼ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. If the icing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s pourable but still holds its shape. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Once the red velvet cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This is the perfect time to generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the icing melt slightly, creating a beautiful glaze.

Serve these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy every delightful, spicy, and creamy bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful fusion of classic comfort and festive flair. The vibrant ruby hue of the red velvet dough, infused with a subtle cocoa undertone, perfectly complements the warm spice of cinnamon. Topped with that luxuriously smooth and tangy cream cheese icing, each bite is a harmonious balance of sweet, spiced, and rich. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; they’re a showstopper for any occasion, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.

For the ultimate indulgence, I love serving these warm, perhaps with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re fantastic for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or even as a special dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You could add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans to the filling for a bit of crunch, or even a touch of peppermint extract to the icing for a festive twist, especially around the holidays. I truly encourage you to give these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls a try. They’re surprisingly straightforward to make and the reward of that first warm, gooey bite is absolutely worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the red velvet dough and let it undergo its first rise in the refrigerator overnight. This develops even deeper flavor and makes the dough easier to handle when you’re ready to roll and fill them. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

My cream cheese icing is too thin, what can I do?

No worries! If your cream cheese icing is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Whisking thoroughly after each addition will ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Decadent red velvet cinnamon rolls infused with cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
55 Minutes

Servings
12

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2
   Stir in the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and remaining granulated sugar. Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3
   Knead in the red gel food coloring until evenly distributed. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4
   Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Step 5
   Roll up the dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Step 6
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Step 7
   For the icing: Beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Add a splash of milk if too thick. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
8. Step 8
   Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.