Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Hey there, my lovely foodies! ❤️ Today on “Life with Jeviko,” we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will send your tastebuds straight to Flavortown. Imagine the rich allure of red velvet cake melding harmoniously with the heartwarming coziness of a cinnamon roll. Yes, you read that right. We’re making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Why should you try this recipe?
Well, first off, the aroma itself will turn your kitchen into a little slice of heaven. And when you take that first bite—oh boy, you’ll know it was worth every minute spent baking.

Why combine red velvet and cinnamon rolls?
Why not? We’re fusing the luxurious taste of red velvet with the homey, spiced allure of cinnamon rolls. It’s like giving your tastebuds a hug and a party at the same time!

Is this a complicated recipe?
Not at all! I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps that will make you feel like a pastry chef in your own kitchen.

Why should I make this dish?
Because life is too short for bland food! This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, plus it’s a feast for the eyes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding dough rising times)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes.
Total Time: Around 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (and a bit extra for rolling)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (for that iconic red hue!)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Yeast Magic: In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of white sugar. Wait for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it become foamy—this is how you know your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Creating the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Run your mixer on low speed just to get everything nicely acquainted.
3. Binding Agents: Now throw in the butter and egg. Mix on medium until you get a soft, beautiful dough. Trust me, you’ll want to cuddle it, but restrain yourself for now.
4. Kneading Time: Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and knead the dough for around 5-7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth and elastic texture.
5. Let It Rise: Place your dough in a bowl greased with a smidge of butter, making sure to coat all its sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm corner for about an hour. You’ll see it double in size, and that’s when you know it’s ready for action.
6. The Spicy Filling: While waiting, let’s prepare the filling. Just mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Easy peasy!
7. Rolling and Stuffing: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×10 inches). Brush the melted butter all over, keeping a 1-inch border.
8. Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice: Now, sprinkle that divine cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter layer.
9. The Roll-Up: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough. Cut this long roll into 12 equal portions.
10. Second Rise: Place these cute rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
11. Preheat and Bake: Turn your oven on and set it to 375°F. Once the rolls have doubled in size, pop them into the oven for 25-30 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown.
12. Frosting Fun: As your rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
13. The Grand Finale: Once the rolls have cooled a bit, generously frost them with your homemade cream cheese frosting.

Cooking tips:

• Yeast Check: Make sure your yeast is active and foamy before proceeding. If it doesn’t foam, it’s time to replace your yeast.
• Real Red: Opt for quality red food coloring for that iconic red velvet color. Gel-based coloring gives the most vibrant hue.
• Handle with Care: Don’t overwork the dough; it can make your rolls tough instead of tender.
• Rising Spots: Choose a warm but not hot place for your dough to rise. Too hot, and you risk overproofing.
• Golden Glory: Bake until the rolls are a golden brown. Too dark, and they could be overbaked.
• Frosting Timing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting into a puddle.

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