Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are more than just a simple breakfast pastry; they embody warmth, comfort, and a hint of nostalgia. Their soft, pillowy texture and sweet, aromatic filling make them a beloved treat in homes across the globe. Traditionally enjoyed fresh out of the oven, these delightful rolls have a way of transforming any ordinary moment into a special occasion. Now, imagine elevating this classic comfort food to new heights by infusing it with the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Elevate your breakfast or dessert game with Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! This delightful twist on the classic treat combines the rich flavors of red velvet with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls feature soft, pillowy dough filled with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Discover the steps to create this visually stunning, mouth-watering indulgence that will impress friends and family alike!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

¼ cup cocoa powder

½ cup granulated sugar

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

2 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with the warmed milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture.

- Mix until a dough starts to form. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling:

- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in.

Assemble the Rolls:

- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16x12 inches) with a thickness of ¼ inch.

- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

- Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal and cut the log into 12 even pieces.

Second Rise:

- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover again and let rise for about 30 minutes or until the rolls have doubled in size.

Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fluffy and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for best results.

Prepare the Frosting:

- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk as needed to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.

Frost and Serve:

- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and allow it to melt slightly into the crevices.

Enjoy!

- Serve warm and enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors – perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising) | Servings: 12 rolls