Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Fusion!

Photo bythe savory secrets

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls and have a soft spot for red velvet cake, then you're in for a treat. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds, delivering the familiar warm, gooey cinnamon goodness with the rich, slightly chocolatey flavor and vibrant color of red velvet. The fusion of the two makes this dish stand out on any breakfast table or special occasion. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Red velvet cakes are known for their deep red hue and subtle cocoa flavor, and when paired with the spiced sweetness of cinnamon filling, the result is a luxurious breakfast or dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. Picture biting into the warm, tender roll, with the cinnamon sugar melting into the dough, all topped off with the tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. It's the kind of treat that elevates any gathering, making it feel festive, even if it’s just a casual Sunday brunch.

The Recipe: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Red velvet cake crumbs

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy. This step ensures that the dough will rise properly.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, ensuring even coverage.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.
8. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully baked.
10. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. After the rolls have cooled for about 5 minutes, spread the frosting generously on top. For an extra flourish, sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs over the frosting.

The Perfect Finishing Touch

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopper on any table. The bright red color, paired with the smooth cream cheese frosting, makes for an irresistible visual appeal, but it’s the flavors that really make this dish shine. The soft, pillowy dough, the rich, buttery cinnamon filling, and the tangy sweetness of the frosting come together in every bite.

Whether you're serving these rolls for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, the combination of red velvet and cinnamon is a decadent twist on the classic that everyone will love. So, why not try this recipe the next time you're in the mood for a little something special?

Here are a few reliable sources for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipes:

1. Southern Living offers a detailed recipe that blends the rich flavors of red velvet cake with classic cinnamon rolls. Their version includes buttermilk in the dough for added moisture, which makes the rolls incredibly tender. The combination of cocoa and cinnamon creates a unique flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness​(Southern Living).
2. Baking with Butter provides a step-by-step guide that includes tips on rolling and cutting the dough for perfect rolls. They recommend using a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly. Their recipe also includes a detailed explanation on how to prepare and store the rolls​(Baking With Butter).
3. Momma Lew shares a recipe focused on convenience, allowing you to prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before baking. They also offer useful storage tips to ensure the rolls stay fresh and soft for several days​(Momma Lew).