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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

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These indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a perfect treat for any special occasion or weekend brunch. The soft, fluffy dough is flavored with cocoa and red food coloring to create a stunning red velvet swirl. Filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (gel preferred, use to achieve desired color)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp milk (optional, to thin the icing)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
    • Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until a dough begins to form.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Make the Filling:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  • Assemble the Rolls:
    • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
    • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
    • Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  • Bake the Rolls:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:
    • While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if using) until smooth and creamy.
  • Finish the Rolls:
    • Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate overnight, and then bake in the morning.
  • Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Customization: Add some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the filling for extra crunch or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.

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