Decadent Delight: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the ideal marriage of two popular desserts: cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine rich cocoa, a vibrant red color, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon. These heavenly spirals of sweetness are as beautiful as they are delicious and will elevate your breakfast or dessert experience.

Ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110ยฐF/43ยฐC)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Red food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

1. Dough Creation: In a bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.

2. Velvety Mix: To the yeast mixture, add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and egg. Mix until well combined.

3. Flour Fusion: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Add red food coloring to achieve the desired shade of red velvet.

4. Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Filling Flourish: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

6. Cinnamon Symphony: Spread the softened unsalted butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the butter.

7. Rolling Elegance: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into equal-sized rounds using a sharp knife.

8. Baking Beauty: Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

9. Oven Transformation: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Once the rolls have risen again, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and puffy.

10. Creamy Crown: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

11. Frosting Finale: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops.

12. Savor and Delight: As you bite into the tender layers of red velvet goodness and aromatic cinnamon, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavors that make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls a truly exceptional treat.

Conclusion: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a celebration of flavor and creativity, offering a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll. With their striking red hue, tender texture, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a treat for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence or a dessert delight, these rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite for any occasion.