Description
Indulging in the delightful combination of red velvet and cinnamon rolls is a match made in heaven! These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, without any cream cheese frosting, are a sweet, velvety dream wrapped in a familiar cinnamon embrace. Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a cozy dessert treat, they are sure to impress anyone who gets a bite. With their intricate flavors and soft texture, you’ll find it hard to believe they don’t need frosting to shine.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk and 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 large eggs to the yeast mixture. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of red food coloring and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the mixture.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread 1/4 cup of softened butter across the surface of the dough.
Step 7: Add Filling
In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
Step 8: Form the Rolls
Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
Step 9: Second Rise
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Step 12: Glaze the Rolls
Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Milk Temperature
Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
Note 2: Yeast Activity
If the yeast does not become frothy in step 1, discard the mixture and start with new yeast.
Note 3: Rising Environment
For optimal rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area.
Note 4: Cutting the Rolls
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls for cleaner edges.
Note 5: Serving Suggestion
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes