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Red velvet cinnamon rolls in a baking pan, topped with thick cream cheese glaze dripping down the sides and sprinkled with red velvet crumbs.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls with deep red swirls and tangy cream cheese frosting that look like bakery magic.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Holiday Baking
Cuisine: American, southern
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk 110°F
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring gel preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for filling
Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened for frosting
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk for frosting

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl For dough preparation
  • 1 Kitchen scale For accurate measurements
  • 1 Rolling Pin For even dough rectangle
  • 1 Sharp knife For clean cuts
  • 1 9x13 baking dish For optimal spacing
  • 1 Electric mixer For frosting

Method
 

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with pinch of sugar until foamy
  2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in large bowl
  3. Combine buttermilk, softened butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients along with yeast mixture
  5. Knead until smooth, elastic dough forms with vibrant red color
  6. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and rise 1 hour until doubled
  7. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa for filling
  8. Roll risen dough into large rectangle on floured surface
  9. Spread cinnamon filling evenly, leaving small border
  10. Roll tightly from long side, pinching seam to seal
  11. Cut into 12 equal pieces using sharp knife or dental floss
  12. Place cut rolls in prepared baking dish with space between
  13. Cover and rise 45 minutes until puffy and touching
  14. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden on top
  15. Cool slightly while preparing cream cheese frosting
  16. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth
  17. Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately