Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of red velvet with the warm, spicy touch of cinnamon, creating a delightful and indulgent treat perfect for brunch or dessert. Soft, tender rolls swirled with cinnamon and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting make them irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead and Roll the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough briefly. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×9 inches.
- Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer edge, forming a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cinnamon roll slices into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly for a few minutes after baking. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh buttermilk or make a substitute by mixing milk with lemon juice.
- Ensure the butter for the filling is softened to spread easily.
- Red food coloring is essential for the classic red velvet color but can be adjusted to preference.
- Allow rolls to cool briefly before frosting to prevent frosting from melting completely.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for 1-2 days.
