Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake and the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls. These indulgent treats are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a special holiday breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or just a delightful snack. The combination of the soft, fluffy red velvet dough with the sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious vanilla glaze is sure to make these cinnamon rolls a new favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)
- 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1-1/4 cups warm water (120° to 130°)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For the Icing:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of flour, and the active dry yeast. Gradually add the warm water while beating the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Keep in mind that the dough will be sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 6-8 times. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning once to ensure the top is greased as well. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Set this mixture aside. - Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into an 18×10-inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Starting with a long side, roll the dough up jelly-roll style, then pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll crosswise into 12 equal slices. - Second Rise and Baking:
Place the slices, cut sides up, into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and lightly browned. Allow the rolls to cool slightly. - Make the Icing:
In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing generously over them.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm:
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The warmth enhances the flavors of the cinnamon-sugar filling and makes the icing perfectly gooey. To serve, you can drizzle additional icing on top or pair the rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. - Add Toppings:
For a special touch, consider adding toppings like chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair beautifully with the red velvet flavor. - Perfect for Brunch:
These cinnamon rolls make an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee or tea for a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature:
Store any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, you can wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. - Reheating:
To reheat the cinnamon rolls, microwave them individually for 15-20 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their softness and make the icing melty and delicious again. - Freezing:
If you’d like to save some rolls for later, they freeze well. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the rolls at room temperature or warm them in the oven. - Freezing Before Baking:
You can also freeze the rolls before baking them. After assembling and cutting the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, allow the rolls to thaw and rise in a warm place before baking as directed.
Variations:
1. Cream Cheese Filling
Add a rich and tangy twist to your cinnamon rolls by incorporating a cream cheese filling. Before rolling up the dough, spread a mixture of softened cream cheese, a little sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract over the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. The cream cheese adds a luscious layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet.
2. Chocolate Chip Delight
For chocolate lovers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. The chocolate chips melt slightly as the rolls bake, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that complement the red velvet flavor beautifully.
3. Nutty Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Add some crunch to your rolls by incorporating chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. The nuts provide a delightful contrast in texture and enhance the overall flavor of the rolls.
4. Raspberry Swirl
For a fruity variation, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The tartness of the raspberry jam pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the red velvet, creating a deliciously balanced treat.
5. Red Velvet Pumpkin Spice Rolls
Give your cinnamon rolls a fall-inspired twist by adding pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also mix a few tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree into the filling. The warm spices combined with the red velvet create a cozy, autumnal flavor.
6. Maple Icing
Switch up the classic vanilla icing by making a maple glaze instead. Replace the vanilla extract in the icing recipe with pure maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon. The maple flavor adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the red velvet and cinnamon.
7. Red Velvet Sticky Buns
Turn your cinnamon rolls into sticky buns by adding a caramelized topping. Before placing the rolls in the baking pan, pour a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and a little corn syrup into the bottom of the pan. After baking, invert the pan onto a serving plate to reveal the gooey caramel topping.
8. Espresso Glaze
Add a touch of sophistication with an espresso glaze. Dissolve a teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the milk used for the icing. The coffee flavor enhances the richness of the red velvet and adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
FAQs:
1. Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take them out of the fridge, let them come to room temperature, and rise slightly before baking. This makes them perfect for a quick and easy breakfast treat.
2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While red velvet is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon. Each flavor will give the cinnamon rolls a unique twist.
3. How do I prevent the rolls from being dry?
To keep your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls moist, avoid overbaking them. Bake until they are just puffed and light brown. Also, ensure that the dough is soft and slightly sticky when kneading, which helps retain moisture during baking.
4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm water, and it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. The rising time may also be slightly shorter.
5. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, you can wrap each roll in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds—red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls. The tender, buttery dough, spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, and rich vanilla icing create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving these rolls for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy these rolls warm and watch them disappear in no time!