Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup warm milk (110°F); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cinnamon; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1–2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup warm milk (110°F)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon red food coloring

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

¾ cup brown sugar (for filling)

2 tablespoons cinnamon (for filling)

4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined to create the cinnamon filling.

Step 3: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end and slice into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to make the frosting. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use warm milk (110°F) to properly activate the yeast and ensure a good rise.

Don’t knead the dough too much—stop once it’s smooth and slightly tacky to keep the rolls tender.

Letting the rolls rise twice adds extra fluffiness and lightness.

For a more intense red color, add a little extra food coloring or use gel-based coloring for vibrancy.

Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for texture and flavor variations.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to refresh the softness before serving. These rolls can also be frozen after baking and frosting; thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before eating.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to proof the active dry yeast in warm milk with a little sugar for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.