Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have long captivated taste buds and hearts alike with their warm, gooey goodness and sweet aroma wafting through kitchens. This beloved treat has become a staple for cozy breakfasts, afternoon snacks, and festive brunches. But what if we told you that you could elevate this classic comfort food to new heights? Enter the Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—a delightful fusion of two iconic flavors that brings together the rich, velvety essence of red velvet cake with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon and sugar.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Discover the joy of baking with these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant color makes them a stunning centerpiece for brunch or a special treat any day. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these indulgent rolls, complete with creamy frosting that brings everything together. Impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

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

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup granulated sugar

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup whole milk, warmed to 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 to room temperature

1 cup packed 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 to room temperature

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed 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. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and foamy.

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

- Stir together until a rough dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling:

- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is well blended. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips.

Assemble the Rolls:

- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches in size with a thickness of ¼ inch.

- Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small margin along the edges.

- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seams to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise:

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

Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fluffy and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Prepare the Frosting:

- While the rolls are baking, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add milk gradually until the frosting reaches a drizzle-able consistency.

Frost and Serve:

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

Enjoy!

- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and indulge in the delightful combination of flavors – they're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day!

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

Presentation Tips: For an added flair, sprinkle some additional chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips on top of the frosted rolls before serving. Enjoy them straight from the baking dish or serve on a decorative platter for an inviting presentation!