Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your holiday mornings, then these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat are just the thing! Picture the soft, fluffy rolls topped with sweet glaze, filling your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. This recipe is a cherished family favorite and brings a festive touch to breakfast gatherings. They’re perfect for Christmas morning but can brighten any day with their vibrant color and delicious flavor.

These rolls are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a wonderful treat for busy weeknights or special occasions. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they have a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together with simple steps that even beginner bakers can manage.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, especially when they are as fun and colorful as these!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight for an easy morning treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and sweetness creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Festive Presentation: The striking red color makes these rolls visually stunning for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! You likely have many of these items already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations that can add your personal touch:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can give the filling an extra crunch.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips into the filling for added sweetness and gooeyness.
• Different Colors: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve different shades of red or other festive colors.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F before adding the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it ensures that your yeast is active, which helps the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Then add in the yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Stir until a soft dough begins to form. This mixture is going to create that lovely texture we all love!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

If your dough feels sticky at all, don’t worry! Just add an extra tablespoon of flour at a time until it feels right. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about seven to eight minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls that desirable chewy texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about one hour. This step is where all that magic happens!

Step 5: Prepare Your Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside some softened butter for spreading later on. The filling will be sweet and aromatic!

Step 6: Roll It Out

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle about twelve by sixteen inches on a floured surface. Spread the melted butter over it evenly before sprinkling your cinnamon sugar filling across the top.

Step 7: Cut into Rolls

Starting from one long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Using either a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (it works wonders!), cut it into twelve equal slices.

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange your slices in a greased nine by thirteen-inch baking dish while leaving space between each roll so they can puff up nicely during baking. Cover them again and let them rise for another thirty to forty minutes.

Step 9: Bake Them Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting. Bake those beautiful rolls for twenty to twenty-five minutes until they’re golden on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; overbaking will make them tough!

Step 10: Make Your Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Depending on how thick you want your glaze, adjust with more milk or more powdered sugar.

Step 11: Drizzle & Enjoy!

Once baked and still warm from the oven, drizzle those rolls generously with your sweet glaze. Serve immediately while they’re soft and warm—trust me; they’ll disappear fast!

And there you have it – scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat that will surely delight everyone around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Making these delightful cinnamon rolls is a breeze with a few handy tips and tricks!

• Check your yeast freshness: Always verify that your yeast is active before using it by checking if it foams when mixed with warm milk and sugar. This ensures your rolls rise beautifully!
• Knead until smooth: Kneading the dough for the right amount of time (7-8 minutes) develops gluten, which gives your rolls that perfect fluffy texture.
• Don’t skip the second rise: Allowing the rolls to rise again after cutting them helps achieve that light and airy consistency. It’s worth the wait!
• Adjust your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake, and use a toothpick to check for doneness. They should be golden brown and cooked through but still soft.
• Customize the glaze: Feel free to add flavors like almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to your glaze for an extra special touch!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Serving these red velvet cinnamon rolls can make them even more festive and inviting. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your breakfast experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some crunchy nuts on top adds texture and a lovely nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Fresh berries: Adding a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries not only enhances the presentation but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a light, refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit creates a deliciously creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries.
• Savory breakfast potatoes: Roasted or sautéed potatoes seasoned with herbs bring a savory element that rounds out your breakfast table perfectly.
• Hot chocolate or spiced coffee: Serve alongside a warm beverage like hot chocolate or spiced coffee for an extra cozy morning treat.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a memorable Christmas morning filled with warmth, joy, and deliciousness! Enjoy every bite of your red velvet cinnamon rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats any day of the week without the fuss. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them so they stay fresh and delightful!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to maintain their softness.

Freezing

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them before baking if possible.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If reheating leftovers from room temperature, place them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you’re in the right place!

Can I use regular food coloring instead of red food coloring?

Yes! While red food coloring gives that classic look, you can use any food-safe color or even natural alternatives like beet juice for a unique twist.

How do I make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls vegan?

To make these cinnamon rolls vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and replace milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter as well.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to step 4 and let it rise. After that, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply proceed with rolling out and filling.

What is the best way to enjoy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

These rolls are best served warm right out of the oven with a drizzle of glaze on top. Pairing them with your favorite coffee or hot chocolate makes them even more special!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday mornings! There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls—especially when they’re as vibrant as these. Enjoy every soft bite and share your creations with loved ones; they’ll surely impress! Happy baking!