Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Discover the ultimate indulgence with Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! These soft, pillowy treats blend the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the striking color and deliciousness of red velvet. Perfect for any occasion, their rich cocoa undertones and enticing aroma will impress family and friends alike. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to bake these delightful rolls topped with creamy frosting, and create lasting memories around the table. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing a truly special sweet treat!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup buttermilk, warmed to room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon red food coloring

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm buttermilk, yeast, and a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour in the red food coloring and mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the flour into the dough mixture, one cup at a time. Stir until a soft dough begins to form. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth paste.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 16x10 inches, with a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling mixture across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out while rolling.

Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to divide the log into 12 equal pieces for even baking.

Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they appear puffy.

Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Frost and Serve: After the rolls have cooled slightly for about 10 minutes, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 12 rolls

Presentation Tips: For a beautiful touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top of the frosted rolls or garnish with fresh berries. Place the rolls on a decorative platter for an inviting display!