Velvet Cream Cheese Rolls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ To Make the Dough
01 -
2 tbsp red food coloring
02 -
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 -
1 cup warm whole milk
04 -
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
05 -
1/4 cup white sugar
06 -
1 large egg
07 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
08 -
1 tsp baking powder
09 -
1/2 tsp salt
10 -
3 1/2 cups plain flour
→ For the Filling
11 -
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
12 -
1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
13 -
1/2 cup tiny chocolate chips (optional)
14 -
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
→ For Creamy Frosting
15 -
8 oz softened cream cheese
16 -
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
17 -
2-4 tbsp milk (to get the right consistency)
18 -
4 cups powdered sugar
19 -
2 tsp vanilla extract
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a big bowl and whisk together sugar, yeast, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix the milk, food coloring, melted butter, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Slowly combine everything together. Stir in the rest of the flour about half a cup at a time until you get a dough that’s soft and just a little sticky.
02 -
Knead on a floured countertop for 8-10 minutes by hand (or use a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes) until you’ve got a smooth, stretchy dough. Transfer it into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it sit somewhere warm for about an hour or until it doubles its size.
03 -
While the dough is doing its thing, blend butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they become like a thick paste. Keep chocolate chips aside, ready to be used if you want.
04 -
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a big rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving just a thin edge untouched. Sprinkle chocolate chips if you’re using them. Roll it tightly from one of the longer edges and seal the ends. Slice it into 12 even pieces.
05 -
Arrange the pieces in a greased 9×13-inch dish with a bit of space between each roll. Cover and leave them alone for another 30 minutes to puff up again.
06 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Be careful not to keep them in too long.
07 -
Use a mixer to blend cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust the thickness to your liking by mixing in a little milk at a time.
08 -
Once the rolls have cooled a little bit, slather the cream cheese frosting on top. Enjoy them warm!
# Notes:
01 -
For a brighter shade of red, gel food coloring works great and keeps the texture nice.
02 -
Feel fancy? Add crushed candy canes or some red sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.
03 -
These are a hit on Christmas mornings, Valentine's Day, or at brunch get-togethers.