Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! They’re not just any cinnamon rolls; they’re a delightful twist on the classic, combining that rich, velvety red flavor with the warm, spicy goodness of cinnamon. The moment you pull them out of the oven, the smell is absolutely intoxicating! Trust me, it’s like a hug in pastry form. I remember the first time I made these for a brunch gathering, and everyone was raving about them! It’s become a go-to recipe for me because they’re perfect for making any occasion feel special. You really need to try these!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk (preferably whole for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting consistency)
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go; it makes the process so much easier and way more fun!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is such a fun and rewarding experience! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up for every occasion. Let’s dive into the steps!
Preparing the Dough
First things first, let’s combine our dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This will ensure that everything is evenly distributed. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: combine the milk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. You really want to make sure that this mixture is well combined before adding it to the dry ingredients. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just combine until you can’t see any dry flour. It should be slightly sticky but still manageable!
Rolling and Filling
Now comes the fun part—rolling out the dough! On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to keep it even. Spread the softened butter all over the surface of the dough, making sure to cover every inch. Next, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl, then sprinkle this delightful mixture over the buttered dough. Now, carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a nice log. Once you’ve rolled it up, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place those rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.
Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are resting. Bake those beauties for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly! Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them cooked through but not overdone. When they’re ready, take them out and let them cool for just a few minutes before frosting.
Making the Frosting
For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the tablespoon of milk. You want it to be creamy and spreadable, so adjust the milk if needed to get that perfect consistency! Once your rolls have cooled slightly, slather that frosting generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will make the frosting melt just a bit, creating a dreamy, creamy topping. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also come with some nutritional details you might want to know! Here’s the estimated breakdown per roll:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoying these rolls as an occasional indulgence is totally worth it, especially when they taste this good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun and unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls that will wow your friends and family.
- The rich red velvet flavor combined with the warm cinnamon is simply irresistible.
- Preparation is quick and straightforward—perfect for a baking adventure any day of the week!
- They’re great for special occasions like holidays, brunches, or even just to make a regular day feel extra special.
- The cream cheese frosting takes these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Each bite is soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor—it’s a real treat for the senses!
- You can easily customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra surprise.
- They make a fantastic gift or surprise for loved ones; who wouldn’t love receiving a box of these beauties?
Tips for Success
To ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Use gel food coloring: For that vibrant red hue, gel food coloring is your best bet! It gives a rich color without adding extra liquid, making your dough just right.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes after mixing helps it relax and makes rolling easier. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking. You want those rolls to be perfectly golden without being overcooked.
- Adjust for larger rolls: If you decide to make bigger rolls, just increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them, and check for that golden brown finish.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of vanilla extract to the filling can elevate the flavor and make each batch unique.
- Serve warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven! The warmth enhances the flavor and makes the frosting melt into a dreamy drizzle.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can even pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up later.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to baking the most scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ever. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal experience even more special:
- Classic Coffee: Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve a refreshing fruit salad on the side. The light, juicy flavors of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even a citrus medley provide a nice contrast to the richness of the rolls.
- Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier breakfast or brunch, add some fluffy scrambled eggs to your plate. The savory eggs balance out the sweetness, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a delightful parfait. It’s a light option that adds a creamy texture, which pairs well with the rolls.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some warm maple syrup over the cinnamon rolls for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s a heavenly combination!
- Tea Time: For an afternoon treat, serve the rolls with a selection of teas—think Earl Grey or a chai blend. The warm spices in the tea play off the cinnamon perfectly.
These options not only enhance the enjoyment of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls but also make for a memorable dining experience. Whatever you choose, just know that these rolls will shine as the star of the meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you find yourself with any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Let them cool: First, allow the rolls to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.
- Store in an airtight container: Once cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container. You can layer parchment paper between the rolls to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: If you think you won’t finish them in a couple of days, pop them in the fridge! They’ll last about a week, but do remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again.
- Freezing for later: Want to save some for a rainy day? You can freeze the rolls! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bag, so you know when you made them!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take out the rolls and let them thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. If you prefer a crispy exterior, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they’ll taste just as delightful as when they first came out of the oven!
Following these simple storage and reheating tips will ensure that each bite of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls remains a soft, warm hug—just like the first time you pulled them out of the oven. Enjoy every delicious morsel!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Ways to Indulge in Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine milk, vegetable oil, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.
- Adjust baking time for larger rolls.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls