Red Velvet Dreams: A Delicious Twist on Classic Cinnamon Rolls
These aren't your average cinnamon rolls! We're taking the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and adding a touch of elegance with a vibrant red velvet twist. Imagine soft, pillowy dough with a subtle cocoa flavor, generously filled with a sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar mixture. Topped with a creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix (regular size)
- Two and a half cups of all-purpose flour will be needed for the recipe, plus some extra flour for dusting as you work.
- 1 packet (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 2 cups powdered confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 5 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Let the Yeast Bloom: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of flour, and the yeast. Pour in the warm water and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture will be both wet and difficult to handle without sticking.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may need slightly more or less flour depending on your brand of cake mix and the humidity in your kitchen. Aim for a dough that's slightly adhesive, yet comfortable to handle. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 6-8 times, just until smooth.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough ball in the greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll and Spread: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 18 inches by 10 inches. Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Give the buttered dough an even sprinkle of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Shape and Slice: Starting from a long edge, carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal the roll. Achieve 12 uniform slices by cutting the roll squarely with a sharp knife.
- Second Rise and Bake: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices cut side up in the prepared pan, leaving a little space between each roll for them to rise further. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Make the Icing: While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and then gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- Frost and Enjoy! Let the baked cinnamon rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before frosting. Drizzle the generous amount of cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of water in the dough.
- If the dough feels too tacky while kneading, knead in flour one tablespoon at a time until it becomes easier to control.
- Don't overwork the dough, or the cinnamon rolls will be tough.
- To ensure even baking, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Want to add a festive touch? Sprinkle the frosted rolls with red velvet cake crumbs or red sprinkles.
- These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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