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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a visually stunning and decadently delicious treat, featuring cocoa-kissed dough, a gooey cinnamon sugar filling, and a tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special breakfast, they’re soft, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process preferred)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2–3 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • Pinch of salt (for filling)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm buttermilk (about 110°F), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add eggs, melted butter, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for about 5 minutes) until smooth and slightly tacky. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-75 minutes, until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
  8. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, right to the edges.
  9. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  10. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cut sides up. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes, until tops are set and edges just begin to brown.
  12. While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable.
  13. Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best rise. If yeast doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast. For clean slices, use dental floss. Rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking. For a vegan or gluten-free version, substitute with plant-based or gluten-free alternatives. Don’t overbake for gooey texture. Line pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, Valentine’s Day, cream cheese glaze, brunch, breakfast, sweet rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, homemade, yeast dough, cocoa, holiday baking

Find it online: https://evabake.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-valentines-treat-with-cream-cheese-glaze/