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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

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Soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze—perfect for a festive breakfast or indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
  6. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  7. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
  8. Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until puffy and slightly golden.
  11. While rolls bake, prepare the glaze: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  12. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until desired consistency is reached.
  13. Let rolls cool slightly, then spread cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Use gel red food coloring for a more vibrant red hue.
  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
  • Rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before final rise and baking.
  • Top with crushed pecans or white chocolate chips for extra decadence.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cream cheese glaze, festive breakfast, holiday dessert, homemade rolls

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-glaze/