Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Dough

01 - 1 cup warm whole milk (100-110°F)
02 - 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1/3 cup sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 teaspoon red food coloring
07 - 3 3/4 cups bread flour
08 - 1/4 cup cocoa powder
09 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ For the Filling

10 - 1 cup light brown sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature

→ For the Cream Cheese Icing

13 - 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
14 - 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Start by warming your milk to that perfect lukewarm temperature (100-110°F) - think warm bath water. Mix in the yeast and sugar, then let it do its thing for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This lets you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
02 - Time to bring your dough together! Mix your melted butter, eggs, and that vibrant red food coloring into your yeast mixture. Then gradually work in your cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Get in there with your hands and knead it for a good 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy.
03 - Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it up with plastic wrap or your favorite kitchen towel, and let it take a nice long nap - about 60-90 minutes, or until it's doubled in size. This is where all the good flavors develop!
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out your gorgeous red dough into a rectangle. Spread that soft butter all over, then shower it with your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure to get it right to the edges!
05 - Cut your dough into 12 even pieces and roll each one up into a perfect spiral. Nestle them into a greased 9×13" baking dish, cover them up, and let them puff up again for 30-45 minutes. They should look all cozy and touching each other.
06 - Get your oven nice and hot at 350°F (175°C). Slide those rolls in and let them bake for 20-25 minutes until they're just slightly golden on top. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
07 - While your rolls are cooling just a bit, whip up that heavenly cream cheese icing. Beat together your room temperature cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it's silky smooth. Spread it generously over those warm rolls and watch it melt slightly into all the nooks and crannies.

# Notes:

01 - These rolls are best enjoyed warm right from the oven, but they'll keep well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days.
02 - You can prepare these the night before - just pop them in the fridge after shaping and let them do their second rise in the morning before baking.

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