Velvety Red Rolls with Icing (Printable Version)
Rich red cocoa-infused dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon mix, finished with a decadent cream cheese topping. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!
# Ingredients:
→ Red Velvet Dough
01 -
1-2 tsp red gel food coloring
02 -
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
03 -
1 tbsp vanilla extract
04 -
1 tsp salt
05 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
06 -
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
07 -
2 ¼ tsp (or 1 packet) active dry yeast
08 -
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
09 -
¼ cup granulated sugar
10 -
¼ cup butter, melted
→ Cinnamon Filling
11 -
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
12 -
½ cup softened butter
13 -
1 cup brown sugar
→ Creamy Icing
14 -
¼ cup softened butter
15 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
16 -
4 oz softened cream cheese
17 -
2 tbsp heavy cream for a smooth texture
18 -
1 cup powdered sugar
# Steps:
01 -
Combine milk, yeast, and a spoonful of sugar in a little bowl. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until you see a foamy top.
02 -
In a big bowl, mix melted butter, the egg and extra yolk, vanilla, and food coloring. Add the dry stuff—flour, cocoa, salt, and sugar. Stir it all until a dough forms. Knead for roughly 8 minutes until stretchy and smooth. Grease a bowl, pop the dough in it, cover, and let it sit for around an hour to rise.
03 -
Stir together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until it's all combined nicely.
04 -
Stretch the dough into a rectangular sheet (roughly 12x16 inches) on a floured countertop. Spread the cinnamon mix all over, roll it up tightly from the longer side, and slice into 8-12 pieces.
05 -
Put the rolls in a greased pan. Cover and let them puff up for around half an hour. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 20-25 minutes until they're fluffy and golden.
06 -
Whisk the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, then mix till it looks creamy.
07 -
When the rolls come out warm, slather the icing all over so it melts into those swirls.
# Notes:
01 -
Want even softer rolls? Pour warm heavy cream over them just before baking!
02 -
For a stronger red velvet taste, toss in a spoonful of buttermilk powder.
03 -
Planning ahead? Prep the rolls the night before, and bake them fresh in the morning.