Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for Christmas Morning
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat. Imagine gathering around the breakfast table, with soft, fluffy rolls drizzled in a creamy glaze, ready to be enjoyed with loved ones. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in our home, not only for its festive color but also for the warmth it brings during special occasions like Christmas or lazy Sunday mornings.
These delightful rolls are perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat to brighten your day. They’re easy to make and will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents that beckon everyone to the table. Trust me, once you try these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition you look forward to year after year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Whimsical flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon creates a deliciously unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
– Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls are accessible even for beginner bakers.
– Festive presentation: Their vibrant color makes them an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday breakfast spread.
– Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these soft, sweet rolls together.
– Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch and surprise friends or neighbors; they make wonderful gifts that show you care.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Here’s what you need:
For the Dough
– 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
– ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired for color)
– 1 tablespoon buttermilk
For the Filling
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Variations
One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
– Add nuts: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
– Swap the food coloring: If you’re looking for a different hue, try using natural dyes or skip it altogether for classic cocoa rolls.
– Experiment with frosting: Instead of a simple glaze, top these rolls with cream cheese frosting for an extra treat.
– Try different spices: Incorporate nutmeg or cardamom into the filling mix for a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and helps the dough rise properly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add in the yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky at this point, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of flour at a time.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about seven to eight minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls their delightful structure.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for approximately one hour or until doubled in size. This rising period allows air bubbles to form within the dough, making it light and fluffy.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside softened butter that you’ll use later to spread over your rolled-out dough.
Step 6: Roll Out and Fill
Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air pockets. Roll it out into a rectangle about twelve by sixteen inches on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly across this rectangle before sprinkling on your cinnamon-sugar filling mixture.
Step 7: Cut Into Rolls
Starting from one long edge of your rectangle, roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Use either a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut it into twelve equal slices.
Step 8: Second Rise
Arrange these slices in a greased nine by thirteen-inch baking dish with some space between each roll. Cover them again and let them rise for another thirty to forty minutes until puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those lovely rolls for twenty to twenty-five minutes until golden on top and cooked through. Just be cautious not to overbake them; we want them soft!
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
While baking happens magic inside your oven, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if you’d like it thinner or more powdered sugar if you prefer it thicker.
Step 11: Glaze and Serve
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle your warm rolls generously with that sweet glaze you’ve just made. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and soft; enjoy every bite as you soak in those cozy moments!
Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat
Making these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be a joyous experience, especially with a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here are some actionable suggestions to guide you along the way:
– Use warm milk: It’s important to warm the milk to about 110°F for optimal yeast activation. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly.
– Knead thoroughly: Spend about 7–8 minutes kneading the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten structure for fluffy rolls.
– Don’t rush the rising: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size is crucial. Patience here pays off with soft, airy rolls.
– Cut with precision: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolls evenly. This ensures that they bake uniformly and look beautiful when served.
– Adjust glaze consistency: When making your glaze, feel free to tweak the amount of milk and powdered sugar. A thicker glaze clings nicely to each roll, while a thinner one drizzles beautifully.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat
Presenting your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your festive breakfast table. Consider these fun ways to serve them for a delightful morning treat!
Garnishes
– Fresh berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by placing some strawberries or raspberries on top of the rolls.
– Mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up your presentation and enhance flavor.
– Extra glaze drizzle: A light drizzle of additional glaze over the top makes for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
– Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits pairs wonderfully with sweet cinnamon rolls.
– Scrambled eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory balance to your sweet treat.
– Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side dish that complements the rolls perfectly.
– Coffee or hot chocolate: Serve with warm beverages for that cozy holiday morning vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing ahead of time can save you precious moments on busy mornings. Here’s how you can manage leftovers and make these delicious rolls in advance.
Storing Leftovers
– Cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
– Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
– Freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
– To reheat individual rolls, place them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds until warm.
– For multiple rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Sometimes questions arise when baking something new! Here are some common inquiries regarding Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, regular liquid food coloring works fine as well; however, gel food coloring tends to give more vibrant colors without altering the texture of your dough.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’ve provided a warm environment for rising. If it still doesn’t rise, it might need more time or warmth.
Can I substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or any non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute without compromising flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your Christmas morning. Gather your loved ones around, enjoy baking together, and relish every bite. Happy baking!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add in the yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about seven to eight minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for approximately one hour or until doubled in size.
- While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air pockets. Roll it out into a rectangle about twelve by sixteen inches on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly across this rectangle before sprinkling on your cinnamon-sugar filling mixture.
- Starting from one long edge of your rectangle, roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Use either a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut it into twelve equal slices.
- Arrange these slices in a greased nine by thirteen-inch baking dish with some space between each roll. Cover them again and let them rise for another thirty to forty minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those lovely rolls for twenty to twenty-five minutes until golden on top and cooked through.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if you'd like it thinner or more powdered sugar if you prefer it thicker.
- Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle your warm rolls generously with that sweet glaze you've just made. Serve immediately while they're still warm and soft.
