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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 30 minutes Bake time: 25 minutes Inactive time: 2 hours Servings: 8-12

Ingredients

For the rolls -

  • 2 ¼ t active dry yeast
  • 1 c warm milk about 110 degrees
  • ½ c sugar
  • c unsalted butter softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 T red velvet emulsion
  • 1 t salt
  • 4 c flour plus more for dusting

For the filling -

  • ¾ c brown sugar
  • 2 T cinnamon
  • c unsalted butter melted

For the frosting -

  • ½ c unsalted butter softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ t salt
  • 1 t vanilla
  • 1 ½ c powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Heat the milk in a medium bowl for about 1 minute in the microwave. Stir in yeast and allow to set.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, sugar, vanilla and salt. Cream until smooth.
  • Add in the eggs and red velvet emulsion. Mix thoroughly, scraping the sides often.
  • Add in half of the flour and mix well.
  • Add in the warm milk and yeast mixture. Mix well.
  • Add in the remaining flour and mix until mostly combined. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about five minutes or until elastic and smooth.
  • Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Spray or line an 11x8 or similar sized baking dish, set aside.
  • Roll out the dough on a floured work surface into a rectangular shape about ¼-½ inch thick.
  • Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter over the surface.
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the surface of the rolled out dough and gently press into the butter.
  • Roll from the long end, keeping the log tight and pinching the seam to seal.
  • Use a serrated knife or floss to cut into pieces about 2 inches thick.
  • Place the cut rolls into the prepared baking dish with the cut side up.
  • Cover the baking dish with a towel or loosely with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 2-25 minutes or until slightly browned on the bottom. Allow to cool slightly before coating with frosting.
  • Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, softened cream cheese, salt and vanilla. Cream until smooth.
  • Add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Bump up the speed to medium and mix until whipped and smooth.
  • Spread the frosting over the cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Storage: Cinnamon rolls should be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.