Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a decadent twist on the classic roll—soft, fluffy, and swirled with cocoa-spiced filling, then topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin as needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead in remaining flour as needed until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes by hand or mixer.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Roll dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Tightly roll up from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes or until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until rolls are cooked through and lightly golden on top.
- To make the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; beat until creamy.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For an overnight option, prepare rolls up to the second rise, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- Add chopped pecans or white chocolate chips to the filling for texture.
- Let icing melt into warm rolls or chill slightly for a thicker layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, holiday brunch, sweet rolls, red velvet dessert