Ingredients
– For the Dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk (heated to 110°F)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– For the Filling:
– 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 3-4 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
Creating Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well. Make a well in the center and add the egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and the frothy yeast mixture.
3. Knead the Dough: Begin mixing with a wooden spoon and then use your hands to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, set the softened butter aside for spreading.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
7. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, covering the entire surface.
8. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal.
9. Cut the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
10. Arrange in a Pan: Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
12. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
13. Frost the Rolls: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 5 g