Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and cinnamon with a stunning red hue. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or simply treating yourself, these rolls are not just visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. The creamy icing adds a finishing touch that makes them even more special. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fun and festive recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red color makes these rolls a standout centerpiece for any gathering.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and cream cheese icing creates a rich and indulgent taste.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or at any celebration; they’re suitable for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate overnight for an easy bake in the morning.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer)
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or unscented dental floss
• Baking dish (13×9 inches)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and ensures consistent results.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough.
• Baking dish: Provides ample space to bake all your delicious rolls at once.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 3 tablespoons dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon nonfat milk powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2-3 teaspoons red food coloring

For the Filling

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Icing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk to around 110°F. You can do this by microwaving it for about 45-50 seconds. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the yeast and sugar with the warmed milk. Let this sit for 7-10 minutes until bubbly.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Add in the melted butter, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, milk powder, salt, and 2 teaspoons of red food coloring. Attach your dough hook and knead on medium speed until smooth and elastic—about 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, do so on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size; this may take about 1 ½ hours.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 15×10 inches.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough while leaving edges bare. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter before adding ground cinnamon mixed with salt.

Step 6: Roll Up Dough

Starting from the longest side of your rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape with seam side down. Pinch seams to seal.

Step 7: Cut Rolls

Using either a sharp knife or unscented dental floss, slice the log into 12 pieces. For clean cuts, score where you plan to cut beforehand.

Step 8: Rest Rolls Overnight or Bake Same Day

Line your baking dish with parchment paper. Place rolls inside it; cover tightly with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate overnight or let rise again in a warm space for another 1-2 hours if baking immediately.

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Take rolls from refrigerator (or allow them to rise) until puffy—around 1-2 hours at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F while they rise. Bake until golden brown—about 30 minutes.

Step 10: Make Icing

In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), beat together softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar followed by vanilla bean paste until smooth.

Step 11: Cool & Ice Rolls

After baking, allow rolls to cool for about five minutes before icing them generously with cream cheese mixture using an offset spatula.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice up these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy their soft texture paired with sweet icing!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a sweet moment, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve warm with the cream cheese icing generously drizzled on top for a classic, decadent look.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy these rolls alongside a fresh cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.

Add Fresh Berries

• Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast and added color.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

Breakfast Platter

• Include Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls on a breakfast platter with fruits, yogurt, and granola for a balanced brunch spread.

Gift Idea

• Package them in a decorative box as a gift. They make for a thoughtful homemade present for friends or family.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on ingredients, especially yeast and baking powder, to ensure proper rising and flavor.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls.
• Control Temperature: Allow the rolls to rise in a warm environment; this helps activate the yeast effectively and results in better volume.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden brown to maintain softness.
• Cool Before Icing: Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before icing them. This will prevent the icing from melting away completely.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into your filling for extra flavor and texture variations.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To create an unforgettable meal featuring Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, consider adding these delicious side dishes. They complement the sweet flavors wonderfully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to your sweet rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and honey offers a creamy contrast that pairs nicely with cinnamon rolls.
3. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche can provide a savory option that offsets the sweetness of the rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds adds nutrition and color to your brunch spread.
5. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs bring protein into your meal, making it more satisfying.
6. Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses such as brie or goat cheese to offer contrasting flavors alongside the sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
7. Herbed Potatoes: Roasted herbed potatoes provide a hearty addition to round out your brunch menu.
8. Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia pudding can serve as an alternative dessert while maintaining health-conscious options for guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be fun, but it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect yeast activation: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly in warm milk. If the mixture isn’t bubbly after 10 minutes, the yeast may be dead.
• Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft and pillowy ones.
• Not allowing enough rise time: Patience is key! Letting the dough rise until it doubles ensures fluffy rolls. Rushing this step will yield denser rolls.
• Skipping the chilling process: Resting the rolls in the fridge overnight develops flavors and improves texture. Skipping this could result in less flavorful rolls.
• Ignoring baking temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with date for reference.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place rolls on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: For a quick warm-up, place rolls in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I achieve the best color in my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Using quality red food coloring will enhance the vibrant hue of your rolls. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more as desired.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough fails to rise, check that your yeast is active by testing it in warm water before adding it to other ingredients.

How should I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Are there alternatives for cream cheese icing?

Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese or make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and almond milk if you prefer a lighter topping.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not only visually stunning but also deliciously indulgent. Their rich flavor combined with sweet icing makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!