My friend took one bite and sprinted towards me, inquiring about the recipe

Picture a chilly morning with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. That's the heartwarming feeling these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls aim to recreate. This recipe combines the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the rich, velvety charm of a classic red velvet cake. Originating from the luxurious textures and festive colors popular in desserts from the early 20th century, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for special occasions or simply to add a splash of color and joy to your weekend brunch.

These luscious rolls are delightful on their own, but for a truly hearty breakfast, pair them with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of hot coffee or cocoa. They are also splendid with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. To complete the spread on a special occasion, consider serving them alongside a savory quiche or a platter of crispy bacon.

Servings: 12 servings

For the dough:
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons red food coloring

For the filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
For the cream cheese frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, red food coloring, and mix well.

3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until dough comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the top.

6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.

7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, seal the seam, and cut into 12 equal pieces.

8. Place rolls cut side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 more minutes.

9. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until just kissed with brown on top.

10. While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting.

11. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

For an extra touch, you can include chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for a delightful crunch. If you're a chocolate lover, try adding mini chocolate chips on top of the rolls before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted rolls for a decadent finish.