Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a unique twist on a beloved breakfast classic, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that perfectly enhances the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.
Servings 12rolls
Prep Time 1 hourhr
Cook Time 25 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr25 minutesmins
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
2cupsall-purpose flour
1/4cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1packetactive dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4cupsugar
3/4cupmilkWarm to dissolve the yeast
1/4cupbutter, melted
1largeegg
1tablespoonred food coloring
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2cupchocolate chips
Frosting Ingredients
1cupcream cheese, softened
2cupspowdered sugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract (for frosting)
2tablespoonsmilk (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
Mix the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk, melted butter, and sugar over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the active dry yeast and let sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles.
Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Assembly
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter and sprinkle ground cinnamon and chocolate chips over the surface.
Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice into 12 equal pieces.
Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
After the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Notes
Don’t skip the rising step for fluffy rolls. Use fresh ingredients for the best results. You can refrigerate the dough overnight to bake fresh rolls in the morning.