Introduction
Get ready to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with these gorgeous Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy, and swirled with delightful chocolate and cinnamon, these rolls offer a stunning burst of color and flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make for a perfect breakfast treat or a sweet indulgence to share with your special someone. The vibrant red hue and comforting aroma will have your kitchen feeling warm and inviting, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, which signals that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches in size.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish and cover them. Allow them to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whisking together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting over the top, and serve warm.
Notes or Tips
- Ensure your milk is just warm to the touch; too hot can kill the yeast.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese frosting.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, or frozen for longer shelf life.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe includes basic bread-making techniques, such as kneading dough and allowing it to rise. Kneading helps develop gluten, giving the rolls their delightful texture. Be patient during the rising phases; they are crucial for achieving the light and fluffy rolls that will melt in your mouth!
FAQ
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before, place them in the fridge after forming them, and bake them fresh in the morning.
- What can I substitute for red food coloring? If you’re looking for a natural alternative, beet juice can be a vibrant substitute, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delicious treat; they’re a heartfelt gesture perfect for any celebration of love! Bursting with flavor and drizzled with creamy frosting, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So gather around the table, enjoy the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, and share these delightful rolls with those you cherish. Happy baking!