01 -
In a big bowl, stir together half the flour, white sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the butter (melted), milk (warm), red coloring, vanilla, and egg. Combine dry and wet mixtures, mixing thoroughly. Add extra flour a bit at a time until you get a soft, lightly sticky dough.
02 -
Work the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes on a floured counter (or go with 6-8 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and stretchy. Place it in a bowl with some grease, cover it with a towel, and let it sit somewhere warm for 1 to 1 1/2 hours to grow twice its size.
03 -
While the dough rises, stir together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon until they make a thick, spreadable mix. Keep the chocolate chips nearby if you'd like to sprinkle them later.
04 -
Push the air out of the dough and flatten it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Apply the cinnamon filling all over but leave a small border. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if you'd like. Roll it up tightly from the long edge, pinch the seam to seal, and slice into 12 even rolls.
05 -
Lay the rolls in a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Cover the dish and let the rolls sit for another half hour to puff up a bit more.
06 -
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and risen. Don’t leave them in too long—they'll dry out.
07 -
Beat softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar and the vanilla. Add milk a little at a time if it needs thinning.
08 -
Let the rolls cool just a bit, then cover them with the creamy frosting. Serve while warm and gooey.