Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, tender dough richly colored with red food coloring, filled with a spiced cinnamon-sugar mixture and mini chocolate chips, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract thoroughly to blend all liquids and coloring.
- Form Dough: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, adding any remaining flour as needed to form a soft, pliable dough.
- Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes to develop gluten, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together until creamy. Optionally, have the mini chocolate chips ready to add later.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar butter filling evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips if using.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls evenly spaced in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for approximately 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk, beating until you achieve a creamy smooth consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and serve while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures neat, well-formed rolls.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a delightful chocolate surprise.
- Frost the rolls while still warm to help the frosting melt slightly into the rolls.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, dessert, holiday recipe, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar, homemade rolls
