Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on a classic favorite, featuring a rich, cocoa-infused dough and a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and granulated sugar.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and Let Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side.
- Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor: Try adding chocolate chips or pecans to the filling.
- For a festive touch: Drizzle with white chocolate or use a chocolate ganache frosting instead of cream cheese.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg