Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Making delicious homemade treats can bring joy to every home. One special recipe that many love is for red velvet cinnamon rolls. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls bursting with flavor and topped with creamy frosting. These rolls not only look stunning with their deep red hue but also taste like a blissful dream. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why Make This Recipe

There are numerous reasons to make these red velvet cinnamon rolls. First, they are visually stunning and sure to impress your family and friends. The vibrant red color is perfect for special occasions or just to add some fun to your day. Also, the combination of flavors—sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling with rich cream cheese frosting—creates a taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent.

Additionally, the process of making these rolls can be a joyful activity. Baking is therapeutic for many, and kneading the dough can be a great way to relieve stress. Plus, the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible. Lastly, making cinnamon rolls from scratch is often healthier than store-bought versions, as you can control the ingredients and reduce added preservatives.

How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Making these heavenly treats at home is not as difficult as it might seem. With a little bit of patience, you can create fluffy cinnamon rolls that will delight everyone. Below are the ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create these delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust frosting consistency)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start your red velvet cinnamon rolls by preparing the dough. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, which is crucial for rising.

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Now, pour the yeast mixture into this well. Add the melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a dough.

Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface. Knead until it is smooth and elastic; this will take about 5-10 minutes. When it’s ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth. If you like, you can fold in mini chocolate chips to add some extra sweetness and texture.

3. Roll and Assemble

After the dough has risen, lightly flour your surface again and roll it out into a large rectangle. Aim for about ¼ inch thick. Once rolled out, evenly spread the filling mixture over the surface of the dough. Then, starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-2 inch pieces.

Place these pieces into a greased baking dish. Ensure there’s space between each roll as they will expand during the second rise. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

4. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown color when they’re done.

5. Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, spend some time preparing the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Depending on how thick you like your frosting, you can add 2-4 tablespoons of milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.

6. Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes. This will prevent the frosting from melting too quickly. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. They are then ready to be served. Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!

How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Serving these rolls can be an enjoyable experience on its own. To present your heavenly red velvet cinnamon rolls, you can add a drizzle of extra frosting on top for added sweetness. Alternatively, consider garnishing them with some chocolate chips or even crushed nuts for a delightful touch.

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a simple cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. They can also be part of a more extensive brunch menu, alongside other pastries, fresh fruits, and hot beverages.

How to Store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

If you find yourself with leftover cinnamon rolls, worry not! To store them, allow the rolls to cool completely first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Stored this way, they can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature.

For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Simply wrap them tightly, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at a low temperature.

Tips to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough rise better and creates a smoother texture.
2. Knead Well: Kneading the dough well develops gluten, which contributes to the fluffiness of the rolls.
3. Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Give your dough enough time to rise; this is crucial for airy rolls.
4. Experiment with Flavors: You can add a splash of almond extract or even a hint of peppermint extract for a unique twist.
5. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk until you get the desired consistency.

Variations

There are many ways to customize your red velvet cinnamon rolls. For example, if you want a less sweet option, consider using less brown sugar in the filling. You can also swap the filling out entirely; try adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a layer of fruit preserves for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough the night before?
   Yes! You can make the dough, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I skip the food coloring?
   Yes, if you prefer not to use food coloring, you can simply omit it. The rolls will still be delicious, but they won’t have the signature red hue.

3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   If you don’t have cream cheese for frosting, you can make a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar and milk, or use buttercream frosting as a substitute.

4. How do I know if the rolls are done baking?
   The rolls should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if the rolls are done.

By following this detailed guide, you can make your own batch of heavenly red velvet cinnamon rolls at home, and enjoy the deliciousness with your loved ones!

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in these beautiful red velvet cinnamon rolls filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened for filling
• 0.75 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cups mini chocolate chips optional

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened for frosting
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened for frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
• 2-4 tbsp milk to adjust frosting consistency

Method

 

Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Add the melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic; this will take about 5-10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, usually taking about 1 to 2 hours.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.

Roll and Assemble

1. After the dough has risen, lightly flour your surface and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Evenly spread the filling mixture over the surface of the dough.
3. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice the log into 1-2 inch pieces.
4. Place these pieces into a greased baking dish, ensuring space between each roll.
5. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.

Make the Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Adjust frosting thickness with milk.

Frost and Serve

1. Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
2. Serve and enjoy with family and friends!

Notes

To store, allow the rolls to cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic. They last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.