Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a festive, cocoa-infused twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring vibrant red dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for icing consistency)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 even pieces.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough cream or milk to reach desired consistency.
- Spread icing over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, drizzle a few tablespoons of cream over the rolls before baking.
- Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after the first rise.
- Freeze unbaked or baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months.
- Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg