Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
2 teaspoons red food dye (or add until you like the color)
02 -
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
03 -
1 teaspoon salt
04 -
4 cups plain flour
05 -
2 large eggs, at room temp
06 -
1/4 cup melted butter, unsalted
07 -
1/2 cup white sugar
08 -
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
09 -
1 cup milk, warmed
→ Filling
10 -
3 tablespoons cinnamon powder
11 -
1/4 cup soft butter, unsalted
12 -
1 cup packed brown sugar
→ Cream Cheese Glaze
13 -
Heart-shaped sprinkles for garnishing
14 -
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust thickness as needed)
15 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 -
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
17 -
1/4 cup softened butter, unsalted
18 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
# Instructions:
01 -
In a big bowl, stir together the yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy.
02 -
Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir butter, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla into the yeast mixture. Gradually combine the dry mix with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 6 minutes until smooth.
03 -
Place the dough in a greased container, cover it, and let it sit in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
04 -
With a small bowl, mix up the cinnamon, soft butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
05 -
Deflate the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle measuring roughly 15x9 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9x13 inch pan.
06 -
Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
07 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they're golden and fully baked. Let them cool for a little while.
08 -
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Adjust with milk until the glaze is as thick or thin as you want.
09 -
Spread the sweet glaze over the warm rolls. Add the heart sprinkles on top for a fun touch. Serve while still warm and dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
Rolling the dough snugly helps the swirls hold their shape.
02 -
Cut the dough using dental floss to keep the rolls round and neat.
03 -
Don't frost the rolls while they're steaming hot—the glaze will melt too much.
04 -
Want extra flair? Sprinkle some red velvet crumbs on top of the icing.