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The Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Experience the ultimate hybrid! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls feature a fluffy, deep-red cocoa dough and a classic buttery cinnamon swirl. Proofed perfectly for 90 minutes.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 3 cups (plus more for dusting)
  • Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • Whole milk (warmed to 110°F): 1 cup
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (plus 1/2 cup for the filling)
  • Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): 1/4 cup
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup
  • Red liquid food coloring (or 2 tsp gel coloring): 2 tablespoons
  • Cream cheese (softened): 4 ounces

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough. In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar, the cocoa powder, and the red food coloring. Gradually add the flour until a cohesive, shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Step 2: Shape the rolls and prepare the filling. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. For the filling, spread 4 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
  3. Step 3: Roll, slice, and perform the second rise. Starting with the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover lightly and let rest for a second proof for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Step 4: Bake the cinnamon rolls. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are fully puffed. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until light and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Frost and serve. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm red velvet cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you have leftovers, store the frosted rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Stale rolls can be wonderfully revived by wrapping them loosely in foil and heating them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until gooey and soft again.
  • For the ultimate treat, serve these warm rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the rich red velvet and tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • For a perfectly clean slice that keeps the spiral intact, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to cut the rolled log; just slide it under, cross the ends, and pull.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://coookitfast.com/the-best-red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls/