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Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Delightfully fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich red velvet flavor and cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) Make sure yeast is fresh
  • 1 cup milk (warm) Warm to activate yeast
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1-2 tbsp red food coloring Can substitute with beet juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch salt

Method
 

Preparing the Dough
  1. In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Add in the melted butter, activated yeast mixture, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling and Baking
  1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
  2. Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 1-inch thick rolls. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
  4. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Preparing the Frosting and Serving
  1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  2. Once the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with cream cheese frosting before serving.

Notes

You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To enjoy later, freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise and thaw before baking. Reheat in microwave for 15-20 seconds.