Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
4 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
03 -
1 teaspoon salt
04 -
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
05 -
1 cup warm milk
06 -
2 teaspoons red food coloring (or adjust to your desired shade)
07 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 -
2 large eggs, at room temperature
→ Filling
10 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 -
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 -
1 cup packed brown sugar
→ Cream Cheese Glaze
13 -
1/4 cup butter, softened
14 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
15 -
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
16 -
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust to your preference)
17 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 -
Heart sprinkles for decorating
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix the warm milk with a bit of sugar and the yeast in a big bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly.
02 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt. Stir the melted butter, red food coloring, and eggs into the yeast mixture. Slowly add the dry mix, stirring until it forms a soft dough. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
03 -
Grease a bowl and place the dough inside, covering it up. Leave it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles.
04 -
Combine the soft butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a small bowl, mixing until uniform.
05 -
After punching down the dough, spread it out into a 15x9 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Cover it with the filling. Roll it tightly from the long side, slice it into 12 equal pieces, and place them in an oiled 9x13 inch pan.
06 -
Cover the pan and let the rolls rest for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
07 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool for a few minutes.
08 -
In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla while mixing. Slowly add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is just right for spreading.
09 -
Spread the glaze over warm rolls, then sprinkle on the heart decorations. Serve immediately and enjoy with friends or family!
# Notes:
01 -
For perfect swirls, roll the dough as tightly as you can.
02 -
Dental floss works great for slicing clean rolls without squishing them.
03 -
Cool the rolls slightly before glazing so it doesn't melt off too much.
04 -
Crumbled red velvet cake makes a pretty topping over the glaze.