Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch (about 110°F). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, yeast mixture, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix to form a rough dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a soft, spreadable paste. This will be the aromatic cinnamon sugar filling.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the cut rolls in a greased baking pan with space between each. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until the tops are set and just beginning to lightly brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and moist.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm for the best indulgent experience.
Notes
- Always use warm, not hot, milk to properly activate the yeast and encourage a great rise.
- Do not skip the second rise to ensure the rolls turn out fluffy and light instead of dense.
- Roll the dough firmly but gently to preserve air bubbles that keep rolls soft.
- Check the temperature carefully to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the rolls.
- Spread cream cheese frosting while rolls are still warm to create a melty, irresistible topping.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, Valentine's Day cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon swirl rolls, festive breakfast