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Creative Cinnamon Rolls: Red Velvet Edition

Creative Cinnamon Rolls: Red Velvet Edition

Creative Cinnamon Rolls: Red Velvet Edition combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with the rich, vibrant flavors of red velvet. Featuring a tender, fluffy dough infused with cocoa and a stunning red hue, these rolls are layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion, they offer a unique flavor fusion and stunning presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk gently until it’s about 110°F. Dissolve the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the milk and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, salt, and red food coloring. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  3. Make the Cinnamon Filling: While dough rises, mix softened butter with ground cinnamon and brown sugar until creamy and spreadable.
  4. Roll Out and Fill the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  5. Shape and Slice: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them spaced apart in a greased baking dish.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes to ensure fluffy layers.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden and set.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  9. Frost and Serve: Let rolls cool slightly, then generously spread cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls to melt slightly and create a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh, active yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
  • Don’t skip the second rise for the best fluffy texture.
  • Bring butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
  • Handle the dough gently while rolling and slicing to maintain distinct layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, red velvet, breakfast, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon swirl, sweet rolls, brunch