Introduction
There’s something incredibly special about biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, especially when it’s transformed into a festive masterpiece like these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. With their rich color and decadent flavor, these rolls elevate any breakfast or brunch to a celebration. Join me as we bake up this delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply when you need a little sweetness in your day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans to create the filling.
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long side, and slice into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the frosting on top.
Notes or Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Feel free to add more spices or even a splash of maple syrup to the filling for extra flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Creating these cinnamon rolls requires a bit of patience, especially during the rising phases. Kneading develops the gluten, ensuring that your rolls have the perfect soft and fluffy texture. Don’t rush the rise; this is where the magic happens, resulting in beautifully airy rolls.
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls? Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls before or after baking. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavor and color that can bring a touch of joy to any occasion. When you share a batch with family or friends, you’re not just giving them a delicious snack—you’re sharing a moment of happiness that everyone will treasure. Enjoy every bite!