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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

A delightful twist on a classic, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls with the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet cake, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (optional) Use as desired for color.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Topping
  • Cream cheese frosting Prepare as desired.

Method
 

Prepare Your Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Combine & Knead
  1. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
Roll & Fill
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll It Up
  1. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 1-inch pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
Bake
  1. Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes in a warm spot. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden and fluffy.
Frosting
  1. While the rolls are baking, prepare your cream cheese frosting. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before generously drizzling the frosting over the top.

Notes

For Halal-friendly options, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for effective rising. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for 2 months.