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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, perfect for a festive Christmas morning treat. Featuring a soft, cocoa-infused red velvet dough layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze, these rolls deliver the perfect balance of rich flavors and tender texture for an unforgettable holiday breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired for color)
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk

Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add in the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour at a time. Knead the dough for 7–8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
  6. Roll and Fill Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling mixture over the top.
  7. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut it into 12 equal slices.
  8. Second Rise: Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through. Be careful not to overbake, or they’ll lose their softness.
  10. Make Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
  11. Serve: Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the sugar glaze. Serve immediately while warm and soft.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is not too hot or it can kill the yeast; 110°F is the ideal temperature.
  • Use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolled dough to preserve the shape of the rolls.
  • Adjust red food coloring to achieve the desired vibrant red hue.
  • For a richer flavor, use real buttermilk or substitute with milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
  • You can add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Christmas Breakfast, Holiday Treats, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet Dessert

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/red-velvet-cinnamon-rolls-the-perfect-christmas-morning-treat-recipe/