Name: Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure and shape to the dough. High-quality flour is essential for achieving the perfect texture.; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: This is the leavening agent that helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their light and airy texture.; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.; ¼ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and encourages browning during baking.; ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors and balancing sweetness.; ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): The warm milk activates the yeast, leading to a better rise.; 1 large egg: Provides richness and moisture to the dough.; 1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and helps with the dough’s texture.; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and a tender crumb.; 1 teaspoon red food coloring: This is what gives the red velvet its signature hue.; ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Extra sweetness to complement the cinnamon.; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives the rolls their comforting flavor.; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Helps bind the filling together and adds richness.; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The main component for the glaze, contributing tanginess and creaminess.; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth glaze.; 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the glaze and gives it that classic frosting texture.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.; 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze, making it pourable.

Description

Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—soft, fluffy rolls with a rich red velvet flavor, topped with cream cheese icing. A perfect sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure and shape to the dough. High-quality flour is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: This is the leavening agent that helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their light and airy texture.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
¼ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and encourages browning during baking.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors and balancing sweetness.
¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): The warm milk activates the yeast, leading to a better rise.
1 large egg: Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and helps with the dough’s texture.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon red food coloring: This is what gives the red velvet its signature hue.

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Extra sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives the rolls their comforting flavor.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Helps bind the filling together and adds richness.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The main component for the glaze, contributing tanginess and creaminess.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth glaze.
1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the glaze and gives it that classic frosting texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze, making it pourable.

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C), 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon red food coloring. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until they form a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside. On a clean surface, spread 3 tablespoons softened butter evenly with a spatula.
Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 12×18 inches. Spread the 3 tablespoons softened butter over the surface, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even layer. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a cloth, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for about 10 minutes, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately while they are still warm for the ultimate indulgence!