Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon rolls have long been a beloved treat, cherished for their warm, gooey centers and comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen. This classic pastry has inspired countless variations, each one offering a unique spin on the traditional recipe. From classic cream cheese frosting to indulgent caramel drizzle, cinnamon rolls are adaptable to a wide array of flavors and ingredients. Among these delightful adaptations, the Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll stands out as an extraordinary option that marries the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the warm, spiced goodness of a cinnamon roll.

Indulge your taste buds with these irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls topped with a creamy drizzle. This delightful twist on a classic treat combines the rich flavor of red velvet with sweet cinnamon, perfect for any occasion. Discover the joy of baking as you create soft, fluffy rolls that not only look stunning but also taste divine. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dessert to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

¾ cup whole milk (heated to about 110°F)

¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

1 large egg

2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Filling:

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

¼ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix well.

- In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring. Whisk until well mixed.

- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine.

- Slowly add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well blended.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x12 inches.

- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling.

Form the Rolls:

- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.

- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Second Rise:

- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes or until they puff up.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow cooling slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Drizzle:

- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Serve:

- Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for the best experience!

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2 hr | Servings: 12