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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

Description

Delight in these soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the classic cinnamon roll flavors with a vibrant red velvet twist, perfect for special occasions or indulgent breakfast treats. The dough is enriched with buttermilk and a choice of red food coloring gel or natural beetroot juice, rolled with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 1 cup buttermilk (warm, about 100°F)
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring gel or 2 tablespoons fresh beetroot juice (for natural color)
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of sugar (for yeast activation)

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Optional: Mini chocolate chips, additional cinnamon, vanilla extract (to taste)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm buttermilk (around 100°F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready to work.
  2. Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer, combine the activated yeast mixture with flour and red food coloring gel or beetroot juice for natural coloring. Knead using a dough hook for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Ensure the dough is well incorporated and uniform in color.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step develops the dough’s texture and flavor.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt until fluffy and well combined, about 1 minute. Optionally, mix in mini chocolate chips, extra cinnamon, or a small amount of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  5. Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle using a rolling pin. Make sure the dough is evenly flattened and the surface is floured to prevent sticking.
  6. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling mixture over the rolled dough, covering from edge to edge for consistent flavor in each roll.
  7. Roll and Cut: Carefully roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, forming a spiral log. Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion or dental floss to cut the log into 1.5-inch thick cinnamon rolls for uniformity.
  8. Second Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover and let proof for 30-45 minutes until they have nearly doubled in size.
  9. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on the center rack and bake for 25-35 minutes until the tops are golden brown, slightly resistant to a gentle press, and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
  10. Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the rolls to set and makes them easier to frost.
  11. Make Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until you reach a smooth, spreadable frosting consistency. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to adjust thickness.
  12. Frost Rolls: When the rolls are slightly warm or completely cooled, use an offset spatula to gently spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For best results, avoid pressing too hard to prevent tearing the rolls.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, for better mixing and texture.
  • For a natural red hue, substitute red food coloring gel with fresh beetroot juice.
  • Rolling and cutting with dental floss results in cleaner, uniform slices compared to a serrated knife.
  • To keep rolls moist when reheating, cover them with a damp paper towel before microwaving.
  • Unbaked cinnamon rolls freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
  • Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk for thinner consistency or extra powdered sugar for thicker piping.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastry, baked sweets, red velvet dessert

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Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/