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Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavor and vibrant color of red velvet cake with the warm spices and soft texture of classic cinnamon rolls. These bite-sized treats feature a tender, fluffy dough infused with cocoa and cinnamon, wrapped around a cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion, they are easy to make and delightful to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk, warmed
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp red food coloring

Filling Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp milk (as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Activate the instant yeast by mixing it with warm buttermilk and a little sugar. Once bubbly, combine with all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, red food coloring, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  3. Roll and Fill: Roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture generously across the surface.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal mini rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish or muffin tin, leaving space to expand.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until set and lightly golden on the edges.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Frost and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh instant yeast for the best rise and airy texture.
  • Don’t skip the second rise to develop soft, fluffy layers.
  • Spread cinnamon sugar filling evenly for balanced flavor.
  • Brush rolls with butter before baking to keep them moist.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, mini cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, bite-sized pastries