Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a vibrant and decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring soft red velvet dough, a rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and red food coloring. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts when slicing dough.
- Let shaped rolls rise overnight in the fridge for make-ahead convenience.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor in the filling.
- Freeze unfrosted rolls for long-term storage and frost after reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg