Description
Soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Dough ingredients
- 4 cups All purpose flour (Bread flour can also be used.)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 cup Milk, warmed (Not hot, just warm.)
- 1/4 cup Sugar (For sweetness and activating yeast.)
- 2 large Eggs (Room temperature is preferable.)
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted or very soft (Not low fat.)
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (For red velvet flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Red food coloring gel (Liquid works too, adjust amount as needed.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (To enhance flavor.)
Filling ingredients
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (Optional for more flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Soft butter (Spread across the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips (Optional for extra flavor.)
Frosting ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened (For cream cheese frosting.)
- 1/4 cup Butter, softened
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (Adjust for desired thickness.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt (To enhance flavor.)
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Warm the milk slightly and stir in sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and tangzhong if using.
- Gradually add in flour until a soft, tacky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled, around 1 hour.
Filling and Rolling
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 14 by 18 inches.
- Spread the soft butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the filling ingredients (brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa) evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls, using dental floss or a serrated knife.
Baking
- Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish, cover, and let them rise until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 22 to 28 minutes until lightly golden.
Frosting
- While the rolls are still warm, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls to allow it to melt slightly into the swirls.
Notes
For fluffier rolls, let them proof well and do not overbake. You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight. Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American