Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll

Red velvet has become an iconic flavor, beloved by dessert enthusiasts around the world. With its deep crimson hue and velvety texture, this cake-inspired flavor has transcended the realms of traditional baked goods to create an expansive array of desserts. The origins of red velvet can be traced back to the late 19th century, where it first gained popularity as a rich chocolate cake with a subtle hint of cocoa. The vibrant color, achieved through the addition of red food coloring, has since become synonymous with decadent indulgence.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll

Indulge in the ultimate treat with this Crimson Bliss red velvet cinnamon roll recipe! Combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake with warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, this delightful dish will impress everyone at your brunch table. With easy-to-follow steps and a delicious cream cheese glaze, baking these enchanting rolls from scratch is a breeze. Click through to explore the full recipe and create these stunning, mouthwatering rolls at home!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

½ cup granulated sugar

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

¾ cup whole milk, warmed

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

1 large egg

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

2 tbsp red food coloring

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tbsp ground cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then, add in the melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Add Flour:

Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough begins to form. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Form it into a ball.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Cinnamon Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.

Roll Out the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches in size.

Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, making sure to cover the dough completely.

Roll and Cut:

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight that the filling spills out. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise:

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake:

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.

Make the Glaze:

While the rolls are baking, in a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Glaze the Rolls:

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them while they are still warm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy your delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 12