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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup warm buttermilk (105 to 115°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tbsp whole milk

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast in warm buttermilk and a pinch of sugar. Whisk dry ingredients. Mix in wet ingredients, knead 5 to 7 minutes, and let rise until doubled.
  2. Punch down dough, roll into 12x16-inch rectangle, spread with butter, and cover with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  3. Roll up tightly, seal edge, and cut into 12 rounds. Place in a buttered 9x13-inch pan.
  4. Let rise 30 to 45 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 25 minutes until golden. Cool 10 minutes.
  5. Beat frosting ingredients and spread over warm rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

The total time shown is hands-on prep and bake time. The dough needs about 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise and another 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish.