In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to form.
Add red food coloring and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red color.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape (about 12 x 18 inches).
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss (for clean cuts).
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Check by gently pressing the center of one roll; it should bounce back slightly.
Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust with more heavy cream if the frosting is too thick.
If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
6. Frost and Serve:
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will melt the frosting slightly, creating a rich glaze.
Serve immediately and enjoy these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!
