Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a rich red velvet dough that is soft and fluffy. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, their vibrant color and sweet cream cheese icing make them an eye-catching treat. Whether you’re baking for a festive brunch or simply indulging yourself, these rolls will surely impress with their unique flavor and inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Beautiful Presentation: The striking red color makes these rolls a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The secret lies in the dough, which remains soft and fluffy after baking.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any gathering or as a special weekend breakfast.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results when making your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, having the right tools on hand is essential. This helps streamline the process and ensures that each step is executed perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or fingers for cutting butter
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×14-inch or 9×13-inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easier and ensures a uniform dough texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to an even thickness for perfectly shaped rolls.

Ingredients

These super soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas!

Red Velvet Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 full packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should have a bright red color.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Preheat the oven to 200°F and turn it off. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, shape the dough into a ball, and place it in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in the warm oven for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.

Step 5: Assemble Rolls

Roll out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough ensuring to cover all edges. Roll tightly from one short side to form a log. Trim uneven ends if necessary. Cut this log into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or serrated knife.

Step 6: Second Rise

Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray before arranging the rolls inside it. Cover them with a towel again while they rise for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around rolls in the pan before putting them in. Bake for approximately 25-27 minutes until tops are lightly golden or when center reaches about 160°F.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Icing

While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until smooth using your hand mixer. Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated before adding vanilla extract and milk until you reach spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Ice Rolls

Once done baking, immediately spread icing over warm rolls so that it melts beautifully into them creating that gooey finish everyone loves!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, serving them with the right accompaniments enhances their rich flavors.

Pair with Coffee

• Coffee: A classic choice! The bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
• Espresso: For a stronger option, serve your rolls alongside a shot of espresso to balance the sweetness.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the soft rolls.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and a cool temperature contrast.
• Cream Cheese Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent experience, try pairing these rolls with cream cheese ice cream.

Drizzle Chocolate Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle over the top elevates these rolls to dessert status, creating a decadent treat.
• Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce adds another layer of flavor that enhances the cinnamon filling.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting red velvet cinnamon rolls takes practice, but these tips will help ensure they turn out delicious every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter mix more easily and create a smoother dough when at room temperature.
• Knead adequately: Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten. Aim for smooth and elastic dough before letting it rise.
• Don’t skip the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size ensures fluffy rolls. Be patient!
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake; overbaking can lead to dry cinnamon rolls. Look for a lightly golden top.
• Serve warm: These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven when they are warm and gooey from the icing melting into them.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to customize your filling by adding nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls can be elevated even further with thoughtful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit make for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the rich roll.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and create a satisfying brunch atmosphere.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and savory flavor that pairs well with sweet cinnamon rolls.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers both health benefits and visual appeal.
6. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages lend a hearty touch that complements the sweet flavors of red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking red velvet cinnamon rolls can be easy, but certain mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold milk, eggs, or butter can hinder dough rise. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Improperly measuring flour can lead to dry or sticky dough. Use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Skipping the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let the dough double in size as instructed.
• Overfilling the rolls: Adding too much cinnamon filling can cause spills during baking. Spread an even layer without excess, ensuring a perfect roll.
• Cooling the icing before applying: If you wait too long to ice the rolls, it won’t melt into them. Ice the rolls while they’re still warm for a gooey finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat rolls for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then let rise before baking.

What if I don’t have red gel food dye?

You can use liquid food coloring; just be aware it may affect dough consistency. Alternatively, omit it for classic cinnamon rolls.

How do I ensure my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft?

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and follow the kneading instructions closely. Proper rising also contributes to softness.

Can I customize my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the filling for extra flavor and texture variations.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat, they offer versatility with numerous customization options. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress everyone!