Print

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls - featured image
Print Recipe

Warm, buttery red velvet dough swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar and topped with dreamy cream cheese icing—these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to impress for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2–3 tablespoons (14-21g) ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for filling)
  • Pinch of salt (for filling)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (optional, for frosting)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add eggs, melted butter, and red gel food coloring to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  7. Punch down risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up tightly from the short end and pinch seam to seal.
  9. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  10. Place rolls, cut side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22-28 minutes, or until tops are set and lightly golden.
  12. While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream or milk until smooth and fluffy.
  13. Spread frosting over warm rolls right out of the oven for a gooey finish, or wait until cooled for a thicker layer. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid adding too much flour—the dough should be soft and slightly tacky. For extra gooey rolls, pour a couple tablespoons of warm cream over the rolls before baking. Use dental floss for clean slices. Rolls can be prepped ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking. Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, Valentine’s Day, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon rolls, breakfast, dessert, homemade cinnamon rolls, red velvet, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-valentines-day-treat/