If you’re looking for that showstopper breakfast or an unforgettable treat to wow your loved ones, look no further than this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls are a luscious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, boasting a vibrant red hue and just the right touch of cocoa flavor. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, they come crowned with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and festive, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of indulgence and comfort that will brighten any morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—these essentials are straightforward but each brings something special to your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the richness of butter to the warmth of cinnamon, every element plays a key role in creating their unique flavor, texture, and that eye-catching red color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft and tender dough that supports the beautiful roll structure.
- Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise perfectly, giving it that light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast for rising.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances all the other ingredients.
- Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness, contributing to tender rolls.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the dough soft; also used in the filling and frosting.
- Water: Essential for activating the yeast and achieving the right dough consistency.
- Large egg: Brings structure and a slight richness to the dough.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The subtle hint of chocolate that deepens the red velvet flavor.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives the rolls their signature bold and festive red color.
- Brown sugar: The sweet and caramel notes that blend beautifully with cinnamon for the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses classic warmth and spice in every swirl.
- Cream cheese (softened): For the luscious frosting that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the frosting.
- Milk (optional): Used to adjust frosting consistency to your preference.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 1/4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl to create the dry base. Warm the milk, butter, and water carefully until just warm, then add this along with the egg, cocoa powder, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Beat until everything is combined, then gradually fold in the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 4 to 5 minutes until your dough feels smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and give it about an hour to rise until it’s doubled in size. This step is where your rolls gain that light, fluffy texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has risen, mix your cinnamon and brown sugar together to create the intoxicating filling. Roll your dough out to a 14 by 8-inch rectangle, spread softened butter over every inch, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Tightly roll the dough starting from the long side, sealing it at the end so the filling won’t spill. Slice into 12 even rolls, then nestle them carefully into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes to reach that perfect pillowy look before baking.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for around 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a lovely golden shade and cook through while staying soft inside. When they come out of the oven, let them cool just enough so they won’t melt your frosting into a puddle.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to reach a luscious, spreadable frosting. Slather this over the warm rolls generously; the frosting will melt slightly, seeping into every cinnamon swirl for that iconic finishing touch.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or a few red velvet crumbs over your frosted rolls. You can also add white chocolate chips or shaved white chocolate on top to amplify the indulgence and make them look irresistible.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for balanced sweetness. If you want to turn the meal into brunch, fresh fruit or a light green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these red velvet beauties on a festive platter lined with parchment for an inviting look at holiday brunches or cozy weekend mornings. You could also drizzle additional cream cheese glaze in a zigzag pattern or top each roll with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry for a dessert-worthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them soft, you can briefly warm them in the microwave before serving.
Freezing
This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and frosting, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, set your oven to 300°F, place the rolls in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a quick fix, but watch closely to avoid drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
You can use regular liquid food coloring, but gel tends to give a more vibrant red color without altering the dough’s consistency, so it’s the preferred choice for this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, along with dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to keep the flavor rich and delicious.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge, which actually helps develop flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and shaping your rolls.
How do I get the dough soft and not tough?
Kneading the dough just until smooth and elastic is key. Over-kneading can make it tough, so aim for that perfect balance and ensure your liquids are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast gently.
What if I want to add extra flavors?
Feel free to sprinkle white chocolate chips or chopped nuts inside the filling for extra decadence and texture. You can also add a hint of orange zest to your frosting for a bright, citrusy lift.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly feels like a warm, festive hug you can bake at home. With its luscious color, tender crumb, and irresistible cream cheese frosting, these rolls are destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every bite of these special, soul-satisfying rolls.
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll with a rich red velvet twist. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully colored with cocoa and red food coloring, these rolls are layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday brunches or festive breakfasts, they bring an indulgent, colorful touch to your table.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and water until warm but not hot. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg, cocoa powder, and red gel food coloring. Beat until combined, then gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling and assemble rolls: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll out the risen dough into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal the edges. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the frosting: While the rolls cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, luscious flavors.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate covered after shaping. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Add white chocolate chips to the filling for an extra decadent twist.
- Make sure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use red gel food coloring for vivid color without thinning the dough.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be stored covered and reheated.
