why make this recipe
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Their soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor, combined with a fun red color, make them perfect for special occasions or just a cozy breakfast at home. With a cream cheese frosting that adds a smooth and tangy finish, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
how to make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Directions:
-
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. -
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the mini chocolate chips if using. -
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly. Cut into equal pieces. -
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. -
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency. -
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
how to serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these rolls warm from the oven, with a thick layer of frosting on top. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. You can also add fresh fruit on the side for a colorful presentation.
how to store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.
tips to make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it helps the rolls become fluffy.
- Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk slowly until you get the desired thickness.
Serving Ideas
Serve the rolls with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch. You can also garnish with some chopped nuts for crunch.
Final Thoughts
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the deliciousness of cinnamon bread with the fun color of red velvet. They are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness they offer!
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: How can I make these rolls without food coloring?
A: You can skip the red food coloring if desired, but the rolls will not have that signature red velvet color.
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can use vanilla frosting, chocolate glaze, or even a simple icing sugar mixed with water as a topping.
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast.
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Only if desired.
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk To adjust frosting consistency.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips if using.
Roll and Assemble
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly.
- Cut into equal pieces.
Bake the Rolls
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
Frost and Serve
- Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.