Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F)

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon red food coloring

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.

Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until creamy.

Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

#redvelvet #cinnamonrolls #desserts #baking #homemade #sweettreats