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.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While dough rises, mix softened butter with ground cinnamon and brown sugar until creamy and spreadable.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes to ensure fluffy layers.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, red velvet, breakfast, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon swirl, sweet rolls, brunch