Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

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Decadent, dreamy, and irresistibly gooey—these red velvet rolls are next-level brunch magic.

If classic cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake had a baby, this would be it. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the soft, pillowy texture of homemade dough, the rich flavor of cocoa and vanilla, and that eye-catching red hue that screams indulgence. Topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for holiday mornings, Valentine’s treats, or whenever you want to bake something truly special.

📋 Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (gel preferred; add until desired red velvet hue is reached)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

  1. Once dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (~12×18 inches).
  2. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough with a spatula or butter knife.
  3. Starting at the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
  4. Cut into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before icing.

Step 5: Make the Icing

While rolls are cooling, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk a little at a time if a thinner consistency is desired.

Step 6: Ice and Serve

Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with a touch of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips.

⏱ Time & Yields:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Rise Time: ~2 hours
  • Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~3 hours
  • Makes: 12 rolls

🔥 Pro Tips:

  • Use gel food coloring for bold red color without watering down your dough.
  • Let ingredients (especially butter and cream cheese) come to room temp for smooth blending.
  • Want a shortcut? Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
  • For overnight rolls, cover tightly after shaping and place in the fridge. Let them rise on the counter for an hour before baking the next morning.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This:

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. They’re a showstopper breakfast, festive dessert, or sweet surprise for loved ones—especially when warm and oozing with tangy icing.

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