Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

 Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast or dessert, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect choice. Soft, fluffy dough with a hint of cocoa, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze on top — they’re basically dessert and breakfast in one.

 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red gel food coloring (as needed for a deep red color)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)

 Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
4. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
3. Thin with a little milk if needed.

Step 6: Serve

• Spread the icing over warm rolls and enjoy while gooey and soft.

 Expert Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red color. Liquid coloring may make the dough too wet.
• Warm milk only — too hot and it will kill the yeast. Aim for 110°F (warm but not hot to the touch).
• Overnight option: After assembling, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.
• For extra flavor, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips to the filling.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, then bake fresh the next morning.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Q: Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Bake them, let cool completely, then freeze (without icing). When ready to serve, thaw, warm, and add fresh icing.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and continue as directed.

 Serving Ideas

• Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy brunch.
• Drizzle with white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
• Make mini rolls for parties or holidays.