Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the richness of red velvet cake and the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls into one showstopping dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion or treating yourself to a luxurious weekend breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With a soft and vibrant red velvet dough, spiced cinnamon filling, and creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are as delicious as they are beautiful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, vibrant color: Perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
• Rich and soft texture: Thanks to the buttery red velvet dough and gooey cinnamon filling.
• Cream cheese icing: Adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling.
• Versatile: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, holiday centerpiece, or sweet dessert.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To ensure success, gather these tools before starting:

• Stand mixer with a dough hook: Eases kneading for perfectly elastic dough.
• Large mixing bowls: For combining and proofing the dough.
• Pastry blender or fingers: To blend butter into the dry ingredients if not using a stand mixer.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements, especially for flour and liquids.
• Kitchen thermometer: To ensure the milk is warmed to the correct temperature for activating the yeast.
• Rolling pin: For evenly flattening the dough into a rectangle.
• Serrated knife or unflavored dental floss: Ensures clean cuts without squishing the dough.
• 9×14-inch baking pan: Provides ample space for the rolls to expand during baking.

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Preparation Tips

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature to ensure smooth blending and even results.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to prevent a dense dough.
• Activate Yeast Properly: Warm the milk to 110°F—any hotter can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit until foamy before proceeding.
• Work Quickly with Red Food Dye: Incorporate the dye thoroughly to achieve an even red color in the dough.

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Ingredients

Red Velvet Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark), packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Red Velvet Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk to 110°F. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Incorporate Butter: Add cubed butter to the dry ingredients and mix with a pastry blender or fingers until crumbly.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix using a stand mixer with a dough hook (or by hand) until the dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes (or by hand for 8 minutes) until smooth, elastic, and vibrant red.
6. First Rise: Preheat the oven to 200°F, then turn it off. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in the warm oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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2. Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth and spreadable.

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3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread the Filling: Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, making sure to reach the edges.
3. Roll Tightly: Starting from one of the shorter edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
4. Slice the Rolls: Trim uneven ends, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife with gentle sawing motions.

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4. Second Rise and Bake

1. Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×14-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Arrange the rolls evenly in the pan.
2. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream evenly around the rolls in the pan.
4. Bake: Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the center of the rolls registers 160°F with an instant-read thermometer.

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5. Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Flavoring: Add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined. Stir in vanilla extract and milk until smooth and spreadable.
3. Ice the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese icing over them while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt into the crevices.

Once your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are baked to perfection and topped with luscious cream cheese icing, it’s time to elevate your experience with thoughtful serving ideas, delicious side dishes, and tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating your family to a cozy breakfast, these suggestions will make your rolls unforgettable.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve the rolls warm to highlight their gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Accompany with a drizzle of extra cream cheese icing for an indulgent touch.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a festive finish.
• Pair with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Dense or Heavy Rolls

• Mistake: Overkneading the dough or using too much flour.
• Solution: Knead until the dough is elastic and smooth but still slightly sticky. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale.

2. Filling Leakage

• Mistake: Rolling the dough too loosely or overfilling it.
• Solution: Roll tightly but not too forcefully, and ensure an even layer of filling that doesn’t overflow at the edges.

3. Dry Dough

• Mistake: Using too little liquid or allowing the dough to dry out during proofing.
• Solution: Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel during rising and ensure the milk is measured accurately.

4. Uneven Baking

• Mistake: Rolls too close together or unevenly placed.
• Solution: Space the rolls evenly in the pan, leaving room for expansion during baking. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even heat distribution.

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Side Dish Recommendations

The richness of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls pairs beautifully with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some ideas to complete your spread:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

Brighten your plate with a colorful mix of fresh berries, citrus segments, and grapes. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Hot Coffee or Espresso

A bold cup of coffee or a creamy latte enhances the cinnamon and cocoa flavors in the rolls, making every bite more satisfying.

3. Spiced Apple Cider

Warm, spiced apple cider adds a cozy, seasonal touch, especially during autumn or winter gatherings.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

For a dessert-style presentation, serve the warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the gooey filling.

5. Mint Hot Chocolate

Rich hot chocolate with a hint of mint provides a decadent pairing that amplifies the red velvet flavor.

6. Savory Breakfast Casserole

Balance the sweetness with a hearty savory dish, like an egg and cheese casserole or a hash brown bake.

7. Crispy Bacon Strips

The salty, smoky flavor of crispy bacon cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.

8. Light Arugula Salad with Citrus Dressing

For a lighter option, serve a fresh salad with peppery arugula, orange segments, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette.

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Pro Tip:

When serving these rolls as part of a larger spread, stagger the preparation of side dishes to ensure everything is served fresh and warm. For instance, bake a casserole while the rolls are proofing for the second rise, or brew coffee while the rolls are cooling.

Recipe Tips

1. Flour Measurement

Accurate flour measurement is crucial to achieving the perfect dough consistency. Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup or use a kitchen scale for precision. Too much flour will result in a dry dough, while too little will make the dough sticky and hard to work with.

2. Yeast Activation

To ensure the yeast is activated properly, always check the temperature of the milk before adding the yeast. It should be around 110°F, warm but not hot. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, leading to dough that doesn’t rise.

3. Proofing the Dough

The dough needs time to rise in a warm environment. If you don’t have a proofing drawer or a warm spot in your kitchen, you can preheat your oven to 200°F, then turn it off before placing the dough inside to rise. The residual warmth is perfect for the yeast to activate and for the dough to double in size.

4. Don’t Skip the Second Rise

Once the rolls are assembled and cut, they’ll need another short rise before baking. This second rise ensures that your cinnamon rolls will be fluffy and soft. Don’t rush this step; let the dough rise for about 20 minutes before baking.

5. Icing Variations

Feel free to get creative with the icing! For a little extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese icing. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a richer taste.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature

• Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator unless necessary, as cold air can dry them out.

Refrigerator Storage

• If you need to keep them longer, place the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese icing may harden in the fridge, but the rolls will stay soft.

Freezing

• Before Baking: After slicing, freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, allow them to rise for 2-3 hours before baking as instructed.
• After Baking: Cool completely, then wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

• To reheat leftover cinnamon rolls, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a soft and gooey texture. If reheating multiple rolls, use the oven: place them on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

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FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, fill the rolls, and slice them. Instead of baking them immediately, cover and refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 20-30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives the dough more structure and chew. If you use all-purpose flour, the rolls will still turn out soft and delicious, but the texture might be a bit lighter.

3. How can I make the dough by hand?

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the wet and dry ingredients with a rubber spatula and then knead the dough by hand. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. To check if the dough is ready, stretch a small piece—if you can see light through it, it’s done.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese icing?

If you prefer a different type of icing, you can use a traditional vanilla glaze or chocolate ganache. However, the tangy cream cheese icing perfectly complements the sweetness and richness of the rolls.

5. How do I avoid overbaking the rolls?

To ensure the rolls are baked perfectly, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. The rolls are done when the center reaches 160°F. Keep an eye on the color of the tops—if they’re getting too brown, loosely cover them with foil towards the end of baking.

6. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon filling. You can also include raisins or even chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

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Conclusion

Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are now a perfect treat for any occasion. From special holidays to cozy weekend mornings, these soft, vibrant rolls with their gooey cinnamon filling and smooth cream cheese icing are sure to delight everyone. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can ensure that the joy continues long after the first bite. Happy baking!

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