Name: Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

2 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until soft and smooth, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.

Step 7: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly on top of the filling.

Step 8: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 9: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through.

Step 11: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.

Step 12: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk (2 to 4 tablespoons) to reach a spreadable consistency for the frosting.

Step 13: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but increase the liquid slightly.

For a richer taste, substitute half the butter in the dough with cream cheese.

To make these rolls festive for holidays, add crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting.

If you prefer, swap mini chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried cranberries.

Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven until soft. You can also freeze the unfrosted rolls after the second rise; thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed before frosting.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring for plain cinnamon rolls. The rolls will still be delicious but without the classic red velvet color.

What’s the best way to ensure soft rolls?

Make sure to let the dough rise fully until doubled in size both before and after shaping. Also, avoid overbaking—bake just until cooked through and soft to keep the rolls tender.