Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1-2 teaspoons red food coloring (adjust for desired color)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

¾ cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

Add the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

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

Spread the softened butter over the dough (once rolled out), and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll

Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.

Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Slice the dough into 12 even rolls.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cut side up.

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them so they don't overbake.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if needed), and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls right after they come out of the oven.

Serve the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavor and beautiful color of red velvet with the gooey deliciousness of classic cinnamon rolls, all topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting! Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.