Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these indulgent Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls! Combining the velvety richness of red velvet cake with the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls, these treats are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The vibrant red dough is swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because, these cinnamon rolls will be the star of any meal.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1-1/4 cups warm water (120° to 130°F)
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 (15.25 ounce) package red velvet cake mix
• 2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Proof the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and ready to work.

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 2 cups of flour, and the yeast mixture. Beat for 2 minutes until well combined.
• Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 1 minute until smooth.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18×10-inch rectangle.
• Brush the rolled dough with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

1. Form the Rolls:

• Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, jelly roll style.
• Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
• Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

1. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and just starting to brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the rolls.

1. Make the Frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing slowly at first to prevent a sugar cloud, then beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

1. Frost and Serve:

• Spread the frosting over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. The frosting will melt slightly, creating a luscious glaze.
• Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the blend of red velvet and cinnamon in every bite!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these rolls the night before and allow them to rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take them out, let them come to room temperature, and bake as directed.
• Flour: Start with 2 cups of flour and add more as needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Too much flour can make the rolls dense, so add just enough to create a manageable dough.
• Frosting: If you prefer a tangier frosting, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
• Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted rolls and reheat them before serving.

These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors with a striking red hue that adds a festive touch to any occasion.