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 110°F/43°C)
- 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 350°F (175°C). 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.