Description
Soft, fluffy rolls made with cocoa and red velvet flavor, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Great for brunch, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you want something festive and indulgent.
Ingredients
Dough:
1 package (≈ 2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup warm whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
~4¼ cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2–3 tsp red food coloring
½ tsp salt
½ cup sugar
Filling:
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark or light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
(Optional: a splash of milk to thin)
Instructions
In warm milk, dissolve yeast and sugar. Let sit until foamy.
Add melted butter, eggs, cocoa, salt, red food coloring. Mix well. Gradually add flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in greased bowl, cover, let rise until doubled (1–2 hrs).
Roll dough into rectangle. Spread softened butter. Mix brown sugar + cinnamon, sprinkle evenly.
Roll from one long side into a log, cut into 12 equal rolls. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Let rise again until puffy.
Bake at ~350°F (175°C) for ~25–30 minutes, until golden and set.
While warm, mix cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls so frosting melts into crevices.
- Prep Time: ~2–3 hours (includes rises)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: ~55‑60g
- Protein: 8g