Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

by

Indulge in the cozy goodness of these one-of-a-kind red velvet flavored cinnamon rolls, perfect for any special occasion. This detailed recipe will guide you through creating these delightful treats from scratch.

Ingredients:

Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring (adjust to your preference)

Filling:

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast until dissolved.
  2. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, vinegar, cocoa powder, 2 cups flour, salt, and red food coloring. Stir until smooth.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour until you get a soft dough. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, roughly 1 hour.

Shape the Rolls:

  1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×21-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Roll up the dough tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
  4. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Prepare the Icing:

  1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Add milk gradually until you reach a pourable consistency.

Serve:

  1. Spread the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

Additional Information:

Prep Time:
Roughly 2 hours including rising time

Calories:
Each roll contains approximately 380 calories.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Best Served Warm:
    • Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. The icing melts slightly over the warm rolls, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
  2. Presentation:
    • For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra icing. Serve on a decorative plate to make them look even more inviting.
  3. Pairing Suggestions:
    • These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
  4. Special Occasions:
    • Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gatherings, these cinnamon rolls add a festive touch to any celebration.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature:
    • Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep them soft and fresh.
  2. Refrigeration:
    • For longer storage, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up.
  3. Freezing:
    • These rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or oven before serving.
  4. Reheating:
    • When reheating in the oven, place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Icing Storage:
    • If you have extra icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whip before using to restore its creamy texture.

Proper serving and storage ensure that your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls remain delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving some for later. Warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced, these rolls are a treat that can be savored over several days, making them a versatile and delightful addition to your baking repertoire.

Variations :

Chocolate Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolaty twist.
    • Drizzle the baked rolls with a chocolate ganache instead of or in addition to the cream cheese icing.

Red Velvet Pecan Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the filling mixture.
  • Topping:
    • Sprinkle extra chopped pecans over the icing for added crunch and flavor.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Filled Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
    • Spread this cream cheese mixture over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar filling.
  • Tip:
    • This adds an extra creamy layer inside the rolls.

Red Velvet Oreo Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Crush 10 Oreo cookies and mix them with the brown sugar and cinnamon filling.
  • Topping:
    • Add crushed Oreos on top of the icing for an extra Oreo flavor.

Vegan Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Replace the milk with almond or soy milk.
    • Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
    • Substitute vegan butter for regular butter.
    • Use vegan cream cheese and margarine for the icing.
  • Tip:
    • Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Prepare a cheesecake filling by mixing 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
    • Spread this mixture over the rolled-out dough before adding the cinnamon sugar filling.
  • Topping:
    • Top the rolls with a dollop of cheesecake filling or use it as part of the icing.

Red Velvet Nutella Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Ingredients:
    • Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar filling.
  • Topping:
    • Drizzle additional warmed Nutella over the baked rolls.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to customize Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you add chocolate, nuts, or a vegan twist, each variation offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat.

FAQs:

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling it out and adding the filling.
  2. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
    • Yes, you can use a bread machine to prepare the dough. Add the ingredients in the order recommended by the manufacturer and use the dough setting. Once the cycle is complete, continue with the recipe as directed.
  3. What can I use if I don’t have red food coloring?
    • If you don’t have red food coloring, you can leave it out. The rolls will still taste delicious but won’t have the distinctive red color. Alternatively, you can use beet juice or natural red food coloring as a substitute.
  4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    • Yes, you can use instant yeast. You don’t need to dissolve it in warm milk first. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe. The rising time may be slightly shorter.
  5. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
    • The dough should double in size. This usually takes about 1 hour in a warm spot. You can test it by pressing a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
  6. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
    • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. After slicing the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise until doubled before baking.
  7. What if my rolls turn out dry?
    • Dry rolls can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Check the rolls a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be golden brown and not too dark. Also, ensure you use just enough flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  8. How can I make sure the icing is the right consistency?
    • Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and gradually add more until the icing is smooth and pourable. If it becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
  9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    • Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser, and the rolls may not rise as much. For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
  10. How do I store leftover rolls?
    • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the luxurious taste of red velvet cake with the comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls, topped off with a creamy icing for an irresistible treat. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a delightful homemade treat, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.