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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls next to fresh strawberries
Anne Newgent

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a rich fusion of cocoa flavor and buttery swirls, baked to gooey perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you crave a bakery-style treat at home.
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Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm whole milk or 2 percent milk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2 percent)

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, yeast, and red food coloring. Mix until just combined.
  2. Add the eggs and sour cream. Mix again until smooth.
  3. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1.5 to 2 hours in a draft-free place until doubled in size.
  5. Lightly flour your counter. Roll out the dough into an 18x12-inch rectangle.
  6. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
  7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
  8. Let rise again at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking if chilled.
  9. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35–40 minutes until golden and puffy. Let cool slightly.
  10. For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy.
  11. Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For gooier rolls, pour 1/2 cup of warm cream over the rolls before baking. Try topping with white chocolate glaze or caramel drizzle for fun variations.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 410 | Total Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 310mg | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 26g | Protein: 6g | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the products and brands you use. Calculate the actual nutrition values using your preferred nutrition calculator and the exact ingredients you choose.