Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat that have been enjoyed by families around the world for generations. They are often associated with warmth, comfort, and indulgence, making them the perfect breakfast or dessert. But what if you could take this classic pastry to the next level? Enter the Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll – a decadent twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, with the addition of rich, velvety red color and a subtle cocoa flavor. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special holiday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will be the star of the show. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making these delicious rolls, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, and offer some tips for achieving the perfect batch of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.
What Makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Special?
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful hybrid between two beloved treats: classic cinnamon rolls and the iconic red velvet cake. Red velvet cake is known for its deep, rich color and mild cocoa flavor, often paired with cream cheese frosting. The cinnamon rolls share the same soft, pillowy texture and gooey filling, but with a few unique twists. The red velvet element adds an extra layer of flavor with a hint of cocoa and a beautiful red color, making these rolls visually stunning and perfect for any celebration or special occasion.
What sets Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls apart from regular cinnamon rolls is not only the rich, velvety color but also the texture. The dough itself is soft, tender, and slightly sweet, and the cinnamon filling is perfectly spiced. But the true magic happens when the rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, which melts into the warm rolls and takes them to another level of deliciousness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a birthday celebration, or a weekend treat, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients to create the perfect dough, filling, and frosting. While the recipe may look a bit more involved than traditional cinnamon rolls, the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough. All-purpose flour provides structure and elasticity, ensuring the dough rises properly and holds its shape.
- Sugar: You’ll need a little sugar to help activate the yeast and provide sweetness to the dough. Granulated sugar works best.
- Active dry yeast: Yeast is essential for making the dough rise and become soft and fluffy. Be sure to use active dry yeast and activate it properly with warm milk or water.
- Whole milk: Milk helps to hydrate the dough, making it soft and tender. You can also use buttermilk for added richness and tang if you prefer.
- Butter: Softened butter gives the dough its richness and flavor. It also adds a slight flakiness to the rolls.
- Eggs: Eggs contribute to the structure and texture of the dough, making it light and fluffy.
- Cocoa powder: This is what gives the dough its subtle chocolate flavor and contributes to the red velvet taste.
- Red food coloring: To achieve the iconic red velvet color, you’ll need food coloring. The more red food coloring you use, the deeper the color will be.
- Salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and cocoa in the dough.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key ingredient in the filling and provides that signature warm, spicy flavor we all love in cinnamon rolls.
- Butter: Softened butter is essential for spreading the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient in the frosting. It provides the rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Butter: Softened butter makes the frosting smooth and creamy.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the frosting and help it achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Milk or heavy cream: To achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting, you’ll need a bit of milk or cream to thin it out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making these indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. The process may take some time, as you need to allow the dough to rise, but the steps are fairly straightforward. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have soft, gooey, and flavorful cinnamon rolls in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, warm up the milk until it’s lukewarm—about 100°F (38°C). Add the sugar and active dry yeast to the milk and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, along with the eggs, butter, and red food coloring. Use a spoon or your hands to stir the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until well combined into a smooth paste. If desired, you can add a little vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, and then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges to ensure that every bite is filled with that sweet cinnamon goodness.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from one of the long edges of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12-15 equal slices.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan. Arrange the sliced cinnamon rolls in the pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a roll comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Rolls
Once the rolls are finished baking and have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the warm rolls. The frosting will melt into the rolls, creating a rich, gooey topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Serving and Storing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting is nothing short of heavenly. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert to share with family and friends. To store any leftovers, simply cover the rolls with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls. Be patient and let the dough rise fully to get the best results.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The cocoa powder plays a big role in the flavor of the dough. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- Customize the frosting: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to taste. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or maple, for a unique twist on the cream cheese frosting.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before by assembling them and refrigerating them overnight. In the morning, just let them come to room temperature before baking.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and visually stunning twist on a classic treat. With their soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet breakfast or dessert, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are an irresistible treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make these Crazy Good Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!