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The Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 262 reviews

Tender, tangy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls softened by buttermilk, richly colored with gel food coloring and unsweetened cocoa powder, swirled with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar filling and topped with silky cream-cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, Valentine’s morning, or any special occasion that calls for a show-stopping sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 cups Bread flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2¼ teaspoons Active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¾ cup Buttermilk, warmed to lukewarm
  • 2 Large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons Gel red food coloring (adjust for deeper red)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon Fine salt

Cinnamon Filling

  • ½ cup Softened butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz Full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup Butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons Heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the buttermilk to lukewarm and proof the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar until foamy. In a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, cocoa powder, and fine salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, softened butter, granulated sugar, gel red food coloring, vanilla extract, and the proofed yeast mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry and knead with the dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  3. Roll Out Dough & Add Filling: Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture (brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, pinch of salt, and softened butter blended) evenly over the buttered dough.
  4. Form Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice into 12 equal pieces and place them evenly spaced in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffed.
  6. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Create Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the cream amount to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Cool and Frost: Let the baked rolls cool slightly so the frosting does not melt completely, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
  9. Serve: Serve the red velvet cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience, paired with strong black coffee, fresh orange juice, or milk.

Notes

  • Use gel red food coloring instead of liquid to achieve the deep red color and maintain dough consistency.
  • Letting the dough rise properly (1 hour first rise, 45 minutes second rise) is crucial for tender, fluffy rolls.
  • Buttermilk adds tanginess and softness; substitute with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar if necessary.
  • Rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or frozen before frosting for up to 3 months.
  • For dietary swaps, vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese can be used to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • Ensure rolls are cooled slightly before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting excessively.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Brunch Recipes, Sweet Rolls

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/the-best-red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/