Indulge in Decadence with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare to embark on a journey of indulgence with a delightful twist on a classic treat – Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! These soft, pillowy rolls are infused with the rich flavors of red velvet cake and swirled with a luscious cinnamon filling. Topped with a creamy cream cheese icing, these rolls are a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast treat, a decadent dessert, or a delightful snack, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, let’s dive into the world of heavenly flavors and irresistible aromas with this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, all-purpose flour, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Making the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the melted butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
Rolling and Cutting the Rolls:
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Baking the Rolls:
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll for rising.
- Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Cream Cheese Icing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are baked and cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese icing over the tops of the rolls.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Nutmeg: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Nuts and Raisins: Enhance the texture and taste of the rolls by sprinkling chopped nuts or raisins over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling.
- Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, add some freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese icing.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Almond Flour Dough: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a low-carb alternative.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of brown sugar in the filling.
- Low-Carb Icing: Make a keto-friendly icing using powdered erythritol, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a splash of heavy cream.
Low-Carb Version:
- Coconut Flour Dough: Substitute coconut flour for the all-purpose flour in the dough to reduce the carb content.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use monk fruit sweetener or another low-carb sweetener in place of brown sugar in the filling.
- Avocado Frosting: Create a creamy avocado frosting by blending ripe avocado with powdered erythritol, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
In conclusion, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a heavenly treat that brings together the irresistible flavors of red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls in one delightful bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to a decadent dessert, or simply enjoying a leisurely brunch, these rolls are sure to impress. With their soft, fluffy texture, rich red color, and creamy cream cheese icing, they’re a true indulgence for the senses. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the sweet taste of bliss with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Gift Giving: Share the love by gifting a batch of freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to friends, family, or neighbors. They’re sure to appreciate the delicious gesture!
- Customize Your Icing: Experiment with different flavors and textures by adding ingredients such as lemon zest, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts to the cream cheese icing for a unique twist.
With these tips and tricks, you’re well-equipped to create a batch of irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that will delight everyone lucky enough to taste them. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of perfection with this delectable recipe!