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The Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, pillowy red velvet cinnamon rolls with a subtle cocoa flavor, swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 cup buttermilk, warmed to 110°F

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon red gel food coloring (adjust as needed)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon fine salt

½ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for filling)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup butter, softened (for frosting)

1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

2 tablespoons heavy cream (more as needed)

1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the buttermilk to 110°F. Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar and let sit until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  4. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and optional cocoa powder to make the filling.
  5. Roll risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the surface.
  6. Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  7. Cover and let rolls rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, sour cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
  10. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Keep the dough soft for the fluffiest rolls.

Dental floss works best for clean slices.

Food coloring is optional but gives classic red velvet color.

Rolls can be prepped overnight and baked in the morning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/the-best-red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls/