Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 packets Active dry yeast (Equivalent to about 4 ½ teaspoons.); 1 cup Warm milk (About 110°F or 43°C.); 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar; 4 cups All-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 box Red velvet cake mix; ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted (For the dough.); 1 large Egg; ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted (For the filling.); 1 cup Packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon; 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened; 2 cups Powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons Milk (As needed for consistency.)

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the rich, delightful flavors of red velvet cake and the cozy appeal of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These scrumptious treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Imagine tearing into a soft, warm roll enveloped in sweet cinnamon goodness and topped with creamy frosting—it’s a heavenly experience that you won’t want to miss.

The contrast of deep red dough with a sweet cream cheese frosting creates an inviting visual treat, making red velvet cinnamon rolls a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rolls are sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. So, let’s dive in to see how to make these delicious rolls and discover why they’ll quickly become your new favorite sweet indulgence!

Why You’ll Love It

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. First and foremost, they bring a unique twist to a classic favorite. Red velvet cake is renowned for its rich flavor and striking appearance, and when you transform it into cinnamon rolls, you introduce a delightful new way to enjoy it. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls pairs beautifully with the subtly sweet, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a combination that is simply irresistible.

Additionally, these rolls evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The fragrant cinnamon fills your kitchen as they bake, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. Let’s face it—there’s something magical about the aroma of fresh baked goods wafting through your home that can brighten any day. Each bite takes you back to family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and cozy brunches with friends. They’re not just food; they’re memories waiting to be created.

Moreover, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic way to impress your guests. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special brunch with friends, or simply a family breakfast, serving these eye-catching treats adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. The vibrant red color and delectable flavors make them a standout centerpiece.

Lastly, the process of making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be incredibly rewarding. Mixing the dough, watching it rise, and then seeing your rolls transform in the oven brings a sense of accomplishment. You’ll take pride in sharing homemade treats with your loved ones. They’ll surely appreciate the effort that went into crafting these delightful rolls.

Ingredients

To bring these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to life, gather the following ingredients:

Two packets of active dry yeast
One cup of warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
Three tablespoons of granulated sugar
Four cups of all-purpose flour
Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
One teaspoon of salt
One box of red velvet cake mix
Half a cup of unsalted butter, melted
One large egg

For the filling:

Half a cup of unsalted butter, melted
One cup of packed brown sugar
Two tablespoons of ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese icing:

Eight ounces of cream cheese, softened
Two cups of powdered sugar
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
Two to three tablespoons of milk (as needed)

These ingredients come together to create a silky, delectable dough that will rise into fluffy rolls, enhanced by the sweet and spicy filling. The cocoa powder not only contributes to the beautiful red hue but also adds depth of flavor. The cream cheese icing provides a sweet and creamy finish that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

Now that we’ve gathered everything we need, let’s delve into the delightful process of making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1

Begin by activating the yeast, which is crucial for making your cinnamon rolls fluffy and light. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture gently and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. This process ensures that the yeast blooms; you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly at the surface. This step is vital; you want strong, active yeast to give rise to your rolls.

Step 2

Next, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your dough, providing structure and flavor. Once thoroughly combined, incorporate the red velvet cake mix into the dry ingredients. By mixing the dry components first, you’re ensuring that the cocoa powder and cake mix blend evenly, which will contribute to the uniformity of flavor in your rolls.

Step 3

Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Then, add the melted unsalted butter and the large egg into the bowl. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, mix everything until a dough starts to form. The dough will be somewhat sticky at first, but that’s okay! Once it begins to come together, transfer it to a floured surface to knead. Knead the dough for about five minutes until it achieves a smooth texture. Kneading helps develop gluten, resulting in a tender yet structured roll.

Step 4

Once you’ve kneaded the dough, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Set the bowl in a warm environment, allowing the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about one hour. After it has risen, punch down the dough gently to remove air bubbles, then roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over the dough, sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, and roll it up tightly. Slice into individual rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes before baking to achieve that fluffy texture.

Directions

Start making your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls by mixing together the yeast, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and the red velvet cake mix. After blending these dry ingredients, merge them with the yeast mixture in the first bowl, ensuring you also add the melted butter and the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, which should take about five minutes. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which generally takes about one hour.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Roll it out into a large rectangle and spread melted butter over the surface. Next, sprinkle the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the buttered rectangle. Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, then slice it into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes. While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare your cream cheese icing by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach the desired consistency. Finally, drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving. This icing should melt slightly into the rolls, creating a delectable topping that complements the sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor.

Helpful Notes

While preparing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be a fun and rewarding experience, there are a few tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time. First, make sure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast won’t rise properly, leading to dense rolls. You can test the yeast by adding it to warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with a pinch of sugar and seeing if it becomes frothy after a few minutes.

Pay close attention to temperatures when working with ingredients. Flour, milk, and butter should be at room temperature for optimal results. This ensures better incorporation of ingredients and a smoother dough.

When you’re rolling out the dough, make sure to flour your surface adequately; this will prevent sticking and allow for a cleaner roll. You want to tightly roll the dough to ensure that each roll has a beautiful swirl of cinnamon filling. The slicing should be done using a sharp knife or a dental floss method to maintain clean cuts.

Lastly, if you want to make these rolls ahead of time, you can prepare them up until the second rise, then cover them tightly and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Simply take them out the next day, allow them to come to room temperature, and complete the second rise and baking process.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls correctly will ensure they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once they have cooled completely, place the rolls in an airtight container. Alternatively, you could keep them in a well-sealed plastic bag. These will remain delicious for up to three days at room temperature.

If you want to extend their shelf life further, consider freezing them. Allow the baked rolls to cool entirely before wrapping them securely in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.

For reheating leftover rolls, either microwave them for a quick warm-up or place them in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If they seem dry, add a small bowl of water on the oven rack or cover them with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

What makes Red Velvet different from regular cake?

Red velvet cake is distinguished by its red color, which traditionally comes from cocoa powder that has a chemical reaction with vinegar and buttermilk. This cake has a different flavor profile compared to standard chocolate cake, often with a subtle hint of vanilla and a slight tanginess.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up until the second rise, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. When ready, allow them to come to room temperature before continuing with the second rise.

What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can substitute with instant or rapid-rise yeast. However, note that you won’t need to proof rapid-rise yeast in warm milk; you can mix it directly into your dry ingredients.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips make fantastic additions to the filling, enhancing the flavor profile of the rolls.

How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or bag for up to two months.

Can I use other types of frosting?

Of course! While cream cheese icing is traditional, you could also use a simple vanilla glaze or a chocolate ganache if you prefer.

What variations can I try?

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by using various fillings. For example, instead of cinnamon and sugar, consider using apple pie filling or Nutella for a unique twist.

Conclusion + CTA

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful treat that blends the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the comforting familiarity of cinnamon rolls. Each bite delivers a soft and fluffy texture, paired with decadent cream cheese icing. Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, these rolls are bound to please.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious batch of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls today! Share your experience with friends and family, and don’t forget to cherish the delightful memories that come from baking in the kitchen. If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth!