Description
Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls dance with rich cream cheese icing, bringing Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries. Warm spices and luxurious cocoa swirl together, promising a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk (110°F) for 5 minutes until foamy and fragrant. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, whole egg, and extra egg yolk, then incorporate the activated yeast mixture.
- Create the dough by gradually mixing in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring until a soft, vibrant crimson dough forms. Knead thoroughly on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until the volume doubles.
- Prepare the filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until completely uniform.
- Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small margin around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log. Slice into 1½ to 2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring slight separation between each piece. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they develop a golden-brown top and appear slightly puffy.
- While cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting consistency with milk.
- Once slightly cooled, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Activate yeast carefully by using lukewarm milk, ensuring it’s not too hot to kill the active cultures.
- Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep red velvet flavor that complements the cinnamon notes.
- Try dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version of these indulgent rolls.
- Control rising time and temperature by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to achieve optimal texture and volume.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 154 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg