RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want a show-stopping brunch treat. Swipe to make them!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

These red velvet cinnamon rolls have a dough that is unbelievably soft, slightly chocolatey, and beautifully colored.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE ROLLS

– Whole milk – Unsalted butter – Granulated sugar – Active dry yeast – All-purpose flour – Unsweetened cocoa powder – Kosher salt – Eggs – Red food coloring – Cooking spray

Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.Stir in sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.

STEP 1: MAKE THE WARM MILK MIXTURE

STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and remaining ½ cup sugar.

STEP 3: FORM THE DOUGH

Pour the warm yeast mixture and the eggs into the dry ingredients. Mix for 2 minutes. Add red food coloring. Knead for 6 minutes, until the dough is soft.

STEP 4: FIRST RISE

Grease a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours.

STEP 5: ROLL OUT THE DOUGH

Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Lightly flour your work surface, turn out the dough, and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.

STEP 6: ADD THE FILLING

Brush the dough with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.

STEP 7: ROLL & SLICE

Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log. Trim the ends and slice into 12 even rolls. Arrange in the prepared baking pan.

STEP 8: SECOND RISE

Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rolls rise for 30 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.

STEP 9: BAKE

Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover the rolls and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until baked through and no longer doughy in the center. Let cool slightly.

STEP 10: MAKE THE FROSTING

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, buttermilk, salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until creamy and spreadable.

STEP 11: FROST & SERVE

Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls, letting it melt into the swirls. Serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red dough without adding liquid - Frost the rolls while warm for gooey results - Skip the food coloring for chocolate cinnamon rolls

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