Description
Soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a gentle cocoa note, a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar swirl, and a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
9/16 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp red food coloring
1/2 tsp salt
1–3 tsp cocoa powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Warm milk until just warm (not hot). Stir in sugar and yeast; rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix in egg, softened butter, red food coloring, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Add flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead 7–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
6. Roll dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
7. Spread softened butter for filling over dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
8. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
9. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish; cover and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, until set and lightly golden on top.
11. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
12. Spread glaze over warm rolls, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Don’t overheat the milk—too hot can kill the yeast.
For extra-soft rolls, bake just until set; avoid overbaking.
Make-ahead: assemble and slice rolls, cover, refrigerate overnight; bring to room temp 30–45 minutes before baking.
Storage: cover and refrigerate up to 4 days; rewarm gently before serving.
Substitutions: use plant-based milk/butter and dairy-free cream cheese if needed; beet powder can replace red food coloring for a natural option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg