Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- ¾ cup buttermilk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring
Filling Ingredients
- 5 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin glaze as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the buttermilk and melt the butter together. In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk until frothy. Whisk in granulated sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, red food coloring, and the butter-buttermilk mixture. Gradually add flour and knead until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt butter separately to help spread the filling evenly.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log along the longer side. Slice into 1.5 to 2-inch thick pieces. Place the rolls evenly spaced in a greased baking dish.
- Final Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly after baking, then generously spread the cream cheese glaze on top. Serve warm for the best gooey experience.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast to ensure proper rise and fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise twice for soft rolls.
- Keep the dough slightly warm but avoid overheating to activate yeast properly.
- Roll dough tightly but gently to avoid squishing rolls flat.
- Cool the rolls slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Valentine's Day, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Glaze, Romantic Brunch, Festive Treat