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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

Soft, swirled red velvet cinnamon rolls filled with sweet cinnamon-sugar and topped with tangy cream cheese icing. A show-stopping brunch treat!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red gel food coloring (as needed)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp milk (optional, to thin)

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand 5–10 mins until foamy.
  2. Add butter, egg, cocoa, vanilla, food coloring, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix until smooth. Add remaining flour until dough pulls away from bowl.
  3. Knead 5–8 mins, then place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
  4. Mix filling ingredients. Roll dough into 10x15" rectangle, spread filling, roll up and slice into 12 rolls. Place in greased 9x13 pan.
  5. Let rise again 30–45 mins. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 mins until golden.
  6. Beat icing ingredients until creamy. Spread over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Gel food coloring gives best color without affecting texture.

  • Add chocolate chips or pecans to filling for extra flair.

  • Make ahead: Assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh.

  • Freeze unbaked or baked rolls (without icing) and reheat as needed.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 310