Description
Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and richly flavored cinnamon rolls with a striking red color, filled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar spread and mini chocolate chips, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt ensuring they are well combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed whole milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a vibrant liquid mixture.
- Make the Dough: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This kneading develops gluten for a tender texture.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined to create the aromatic filling.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches, ensuring even thickness.
- Apply Filling: Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough rectangle. Then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly on top of the filling.
- Form Rolls: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, sealing the seam, then cut into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through but still soft.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to reach desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve warm for maximum delight.
Notes
- Allow dough to properly rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure fluffy rolls.
- Use whole milk warmed to about 110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred hue of red velvet color.
- For best results, use fresh active dry yeast for proper rising.
- The rolls taste best when served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Mini chocolate chips add a delicious extra layer of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Recipe, Cream Cheese Frosting, Homemade Rolls, Red Food Coloring
