Name: Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency of frosting)

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Why Make This Recipe

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the cozy essence of cinnamon rolls. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or simply when you want to enjoy a sweet snack. With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy frosting, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends, making every bite a heavenly experience.

How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Making these delicious rolls is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to create your own batch of Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

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
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency of frosting)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips (if using) until well combined.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough evenly. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and slice it into equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking. Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are cool, generously spread the frosting over the top of the warm rolls. Serve them fresh and enjoy!

How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best served warm. You can cut them individually and place them on a serving platter. They are delicious on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, top them with additional chocolate chips or sprinkles.

How to Store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature.

Tips to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to help activate the yeast properly.
Knead the dough well to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting away.
Feel free to customize the filling by adding nuts or different types of chocolate.

Variation

You can create a cream cheese filling instead of the butter and brown sugar filling for a tangy twist. You can also experiment with different food colorings to create colorful variations!

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and assembling.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have red food coloring?
A: If you avoid food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for a red hue, though the flavor may differ slightly.

Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the final rise. Just thaw and let them rise before baking when you’re ready to enjoy!

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls