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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for a Festive Holiday Morning

Delight in these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for a festive holiday breakfast that's easy to customize and hard to resist.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for chewier texture
  • 1 packet instant yeast can swap with active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk around 110°F
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) use plant-based for dairy-free
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring or beet powder as natural alternative
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 tbsp vinegar with 1 cup of milk
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) adjust for desired consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking dish
  • whisk
  • Oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the instant yeast and granulated sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and food coloring. Add activated yeast mixture, butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle filling evenly.
  6. Cut the rolls: Roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
  7. Second rise: Cover rolls with a towel and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  10. Glaze and serve: Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle glaze over them and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, ensure milk is warm for yeast activation and allow for the second rise to enhance fluffiness.

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