Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

• For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, egg, butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to form.

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface, until it's smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Form the Rolls:

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the long side, and then cut it into 12 equal pieces.

Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

Cover with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes, or until they are puffy.

Bake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:

In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and smooth.

Finish the Rolls:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly.

Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Enjoy your warm, soft, and colorful red velvet cinnamon rolls with that irresistible cream cheese icing!