Velvet Rolls Frosted (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For Making Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups regular flour
02 - 1/4 cup white sugar
03 - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) yeast, active dry
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon table salt
06 - 1 cup whole milk, warmed up
07 - 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 2 tablespoons liquid red coloring
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

→ For Filling

11 - 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
12 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons cinnamon, ground
14 - 1/2 cup tiny chocolate chips (optional)

→ For Topping (Cream Cheese Frosting)

15 - 8 ounces softened cream cheese
16 - 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
17 - 4 cups powdered sugar
18 - 2 teaspoons vanilla flavor
19 - 2-4 tablespoons milk to thin it out

# Instructions:

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.

# Notes:

01 - Use gel-based red coloring for a brighter color while keeping the texture smooth.
02 - Make it special for holidays by sprinkling crushed candy canes or red sugar sprinkles.
03 - A great choice for Christmas brunch, romantic mornings, or fun family gatherings.