Description
Experience velvet decadence! These plush, deep crimson rolls feature a cocoa-infused dough that rises for 90 minutes for ultimate softness.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups, plus more for dusting
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Whole milk, warmed: 1 cup
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (divided for dough and filling)
- Liquid red food coloring: 2 tablespoons
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in the warmed milk; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, buttermilk, and red food coloring. Mix well, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Step 2: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the remaining cocoa powder; set aside. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Step 3: Spread the prepared red velvet cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small 1-inch border on one of the long edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12-15 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Step 4: Arrange the cut rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish loosely and allow the rolls to undergo a second proof for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers are set.
- Step 5: While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the cream cheese frosting: beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla powder until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread the generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, store frosted rolls sealed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or keep unfrosted rolls tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2 days.
- To revive day-old rolls, tent the whole pan in foil and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore the gooey center and tender texture.
- Serve these rich rolls alongside a dark roast coffee or a small dollop of mascarpone cheese for an additional decadent touch.
- Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough log; this simple technique prevents squishing and ensures perfectly round, professional spirals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cinnamon roll
- Calories: 580
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: *Note on Unsaturated Fat: Daily Value (%) is generally not established for Unsaturated Fat.
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 45g