Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring (gel preferred)
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin the glaze)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates (bubbly and foamy).

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the remaining sugar.

Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.

Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring, stirring to combine until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Pinch the seams to seal.

Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 10 minutes.

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls.

Enjoy the Treat!