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Heavenly red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese icing

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with a spiced-sweet filling and a rich cream cheese glaze, perfect for brunch or a festive breakfast spread.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Soft, finely-milled is best for tender rolls; substitute whole-wheat pastry flour for a nuttier texture.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds mild sweetness; swap coconut sugar for deeper flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors; use fine sea salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Light leavening to aid tenderness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps lift and react with dairy.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk Room temperature; substitute with buttermilk or plant milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice for dairy-free.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Provides richness; use neutral oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 large egg Binds and enriches; use flax-egg for vegan.
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring For that classic red hue; consider beet juice for a natural alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use vanilla bean paste for more intense flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Adds subtle chocolate depth; opt for Dutch-process for a darker flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Warm, fragrant; use fresh-ground for best aroma.
Filling ingredients
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Moist, caramel-like sweetness for the filling; swap for date sugar for a less processed option.
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Use vegan cream cheese if needed.
Glaze ingredients
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar Use sifted for a silky texture.
  • 1 tablespoon milk To thin glaze; substitute citrus juice for a tangy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Finishing flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 10x12 inches), ensuring even thickness.
  5. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one edge.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder; sprinkle the mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  7. Roll up the dough tightly into a log and slice into 8 even rolls.
  8. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for approximately 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden and set.
  2. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough rolls, and ensure you let the dough rest for better texture. Store cooled rolls properly to maintain freshness.