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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

Delight in these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls featuring a rich cocoa-infused dough with vibrant red coloring, spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and fluffy, these rolls are an indulgent twist on a classic breakfast treat, ideal for special occasions or weekend mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour, but texture will differ)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (About 2 1/4 tsp.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (105–115°F / 40–46°C; can use buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (Can be swapped with melted coconut oil or vegan butter)
  • 1 large egg (For vegan option, use a flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (Or 1–2 tsp beet powder for natural color)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • Thin layer of softened butter (about 2 tbsp, not specifically quantified but implied)

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (Use vegan cream cheese for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk (Use plant milk if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk to between 105 and 115°F. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. Form the Dough: Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a rough dough starts to form.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and slightly elastic, developing the gluten structure.
  5. First Proof: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Roll and Fill: Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out into a 12×9 inch rectangle. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixed evenly with the ground cinnamon over the buttered surface.
  7. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to ensure it seals properly and won’t unravel.
  8. Slice the Rolls: Cut the log into 8 to 12 evenly sized rolls. Arrange these rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, allowing some space for expansion.
  9. Second Proof: Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, until they appear puffy and nearly doubled.
  10. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they are set and slightly springy to the touch in the center.
  11. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  12. Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls come out warm from the oven, immediately drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over the top so it melts slightly and adds extra richness.

Notes

  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, though the texture will be slightly different.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve the best chocolate flavor in the dough.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Red food coloring can be replaced with beet powder for a natural coloring option.
  • Ensure the milk is warmed to the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly; too hot will kill the yeast.
  • Do not skip the second rise after shaping, as it ensures fluffier rolls.
  • Let the frosting soften over warm rolls for a creamy texture and better flavor absorption.

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet recipe, cinnamon roll frosting, breakfast pastries, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/