Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich, featuring a deep red cocoa-infused dough rolled with a buttery cinnamon filling, then baked until tender and finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts beautifully over the warm rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients (Makes 8–10 rolls)

For the Dough

• 240 ml warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F)

• 7 g (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 50 g granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 60 g unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 400–450 g all-purpose flour

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For the Cinnamon Filling

• 80 g unsalted butter, softened

• 100 g brown sugar

• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

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For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 120 g cream cheese, softened

• 40 g unsalted butter, softened

• 120 g powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk and granulated sugar.

2. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add egg, melted butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt to the yeast mixture.

2. Mix well until smooth.

3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

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Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until spreadable.

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Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 30 × 40 cm).

2. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

3. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.

4. Cut into 8–10 equal slices.

5. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.

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Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover and let rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

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Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Bake for 22–25 minutes until set and lightly golden on top.

3. Do not overbake to keep rolls soft.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.

3. Mix until creamy, adding milk gradually for a pourable glaze.

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Step 8: Finish

1. Spread glaze generously over warm cinnamon rolls.

2. Let glaze drip naturally down the sides.

3. Sprinkle with crushed cookie crumbs or nuts if desired.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

• Texture: Ultra-soft rolls with creamy glaze

• Flavor: Mild cocoa, sweet cinnamon, tangy cream cheese

• Style: Bakery-style, rich and indulgent

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for best flavor

• Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate

• Ideal for holidays, brunch, or dessert tables