Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate indulgence with these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! This showstopping treat marries the dreamy cocoa notes and signature vibrant hue of red velvet cake with all the oozy, spiced goodness of classic cinnamon rolls—then slathers them in luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to infuse a little drama into your weekend brunch, these rolls are guaranteed to turn heads and win hearts. The softness, the sweet tang, the cozy cinnamon swirl: every bite is pure bliss. Give them a try and let Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls take center stage on your table!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated—these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls use simple staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Every component, from rich cocoa undertones to classic tangy cream cheese, works together to deliver unforgettable taste and unmistakable visual flair.

  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough; use fresh flour for the fluffiest rolls.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the cocoa and spice.
  • Active dry yeast: Our rolls rise sky-high thanks to this essential leavening agent.
  • Baking powder: Helps ensure these rolls are light, soft, and tender.
  • Salt: Heightens every flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Whole milk, warmed: Brings moisture and richness, making the crumb pillowy-soft.
  • Unsalted butter, melted: Adds luxe flavor and tenderness to the dough.
  • Large egg: Binds everything together for that perfect, chewy texture.
  • Red food coloring: The secret to that signature red velvet charm—use gel color for intensity.
  • Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and smooths out cocoa notes.
  • Unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes the cinnamon-sugar blend extra gooey.
  • Brown sugar, packed: Brings a caramelly complexity to the cinnamon swirl.
  • Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll! Use high-quality spice for best aroma.
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional): For bursts of melty decadence in every bite.
  • Cream cheese, softened: The frosting MVP—its tang pairs perfectly with sweet rolls.
  • Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting creamy and luxurious.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting to ideal consistency.
  • Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the tang of cream cheese.
  • Milk (for frosting): Adjusts the texture—start with less and add more as needed.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This base creates the perfect framework for tender, yeast-leavened rolls and ensures the dry components are thoroughly combined for an even dough.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet mixture into your dry ingredients, then gradually add the remaining flour. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—it should just pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead Dough

Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back to the touch. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and set somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is your moment to let the yeast work its magic!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. You’re aiming for a sweet, aromatic paste. If you love a little extra indulgence, stir in mini chocolate chips—this takes the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls over the top!

Step 5: Shape Dough

After the first rise, roll your dough out into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling edge to edge, making sure every bite will ooze with flavor. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if using. Roll up tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces for gorgeous, bakery-worthy spirals.

Step 6: Let Rolls Rise

Arrange your slices in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This final proof ensures ultra-soft, perfectly puffy rolls—which is just what you want in Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 7: Bake Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like heaven. Don’t overbake; you want them pillowy inside!

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in vanilla extract and milk, adjusting the amount for a thick but spreadable frosting. This dreamy frosting is essential for that classic Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls finish.

Step 9: Frost and Enjoy

As soon as the rolls are out of the oven and just slightly cooled, slather them with lots of cream cheese frosting—so it melts just a bit into every swirl. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Amp up your presentation with a flourish! Sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or elegant shavings of white chocolate on top of the frosted rolls. A handful of fresh raspberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate also adds visual excitement and bright flavor.

Side Dishes

Balance the decadence of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with something light and fresh. A big bowl of mixed berries, a crisp fruit salad, or even some tangy Greek yogurt complements the richness. For celebrations, pair with strong coffee or a flute of sweet Moscato for a true treat!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these beauties straight from the baking dish for cozy family brunch vibes, or arrange individually on pretty cake stands for guests. For an extra-special touch, tie up single rolls in wax paper and ribbon for edible gifts. You can even bake them in a round pan for a “cake” of cinnamon rolls—just slice and serve!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. The frosting helps keep them soft, but try to store them so they’re airtight.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. You can also freeze fully baked and frosted rolls—just defrost overnight in the fridge. Either way, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls reheat beautifully and make for swoon-worthy surprise treats.

Reheating

To bring back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake covered in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw, then reheat as above. The frosting will get perfectly gooey again!

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and arranging them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking as directed. Ideal for effortless brunches!

Do I need to use food coloring?

For that classic red velvet flair, food coloring is key. If you prefer natural alternatives, you can try beet powder, though the color will be subtler. The taste will still be scrumptious!

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works well in this recipe—no need to proof, just whisk it into your dry ingredients as you would with active dry yeast. Rise times might shorten, so keep an eye on your dough.

How do I prevent my rolls from being dry?

Make sure not to overbake—the rolls should be just golden. Kneading until elastic, measuring flour lightly, and using fresh yeast all help ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft and pillowy.

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chocolate chips are optional and the rolls are absolutely delicious without them. If you want, you can experiment with pecans or leave the filling classic.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you’re truly in for a treat—this recipe is guaranteed to impress both your eyes and your tastebuds. Don’t hesitate to make a batch, share with loved ones, and watch those ruby swirls disappear in no time!

Print

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of classic cinnamon rolls with a twist of red velvet flavor. These red velvet cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and decadent, perfect for a special breakfast treat or a cozy dessert.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, then gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead Dough – On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling – Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl for the filling.
  5. Shape Dough – Roll out the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired, then roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
  6. Let Rolls Rise – Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Bake Rolls – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Prepare Frosting – Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until frosting reaches desired consistency.
  9. Frost Rolls – Once baked, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the rolls. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, red velvet recipe, dessert, breakfast, sweet rolls

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