Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet Twist on a Classic

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent, vibrant twist on the classic cinnamon roll. The red velvet flavor makes them perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls:

1. Unique Flavor: The red velvet cake mix gives the dough a subtle cocoa flavor and stunning red color, making them a visual and tasty treat.
2. Perfectly Soft: The dough is soft and pillowy, making every bite melt in your mouth.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
4. Easy to Make: While they may seem fancy, these cinnamon rolls are simple to prepare with readily available ingredients.

---

Ingredients:

• 1 package red velvet cake mix
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

---

Directions:

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix and yeast. Add the warm water (around 110°F), vegetable oil, and egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Add Flour:
   Gradually stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. You may need between 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour, depending on humidity and other factors. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Shape the Rolls:
   Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
5. Add Filling:
   Spread the softened butter over the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough up jelly-roll style, starting from a long side, and then cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices.
6. Second Rise:
   Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish, cut side down. Cover with a towel and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
7. Bake the Rolls:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Frost the Rolls:
   Once the rolls are done baking and still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each roll.

---

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Servings: 12 rolls

---

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Use Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold can affect the dough’s rise.
2. Let the Dough Rise Fully: Be patient with the rising time. If the dough hasn’t doubled in size, the rolls may be dense.
3. Don’t Skip the Second Rise: After rolling the dough and cutting it into slices, the second rise is crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls.
4. Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before making the frosting to ensure a smooth consistency.
5. Storing: These cinnamon rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds.

---

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use a different cake mix (like chocolate or vanilla) for a variation, but the red velvet gives a unique flavor and color to the rolls.

2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen the first time. Once you shape the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.

3. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before and place them in the refrigerator after the second rise (before baking). In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise again if needed, then bake.

---

Conclusion:

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of festive, decadent, and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these rolls are sure to impress everyone with their vibrant color, delicious flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Print