Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe For Cozy Mornings

Warm, gooey red velvet cinnamon rolls have become my absolute weakness during chilly weekend mornings.

Soft dough swirls with rich chocolate undertones promise pure comfort in every bite.

My grandmother’s classic recipe inspired this delightful twist that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Crimson-hued spirals dusted with cream cheese frosting create a stunning visual that makes everyone stop and stare.

Baking these rolls fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma of sweet spices and buttery goodness.

We mix simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary that feels like a warm hug.

Prepare to experience a breakfast treat that will become your new weekend tradition.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls FAQs To Know

• Are red velvet cinnamon rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls have cocoa powder and red food dye, giving them a distinctive rich red color and subtle chocolate flavor compared to traditional cinnamon rolls.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?

You’ll need a stand mixer with a dough hook, a large mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a 9×13-inch baking pan. A hand mixer helps for making the filling and icing.

• Can I make the dough by hand if I don't have a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough manually. Mix ingredients in a bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What’s Great About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into a stunning red velvet masterpiece that will wow everyone at the table with its vibrant color and rich flavor.
• Bake with Minimal Fuss: Create an impressive treat using basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques that make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Indulge in a decadent breakfast or dessert that combines the beloved flavors of red velvet cake with the classic comfort of gooey cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Elevate your brunch, holiday gathering, or weekend breakfast with these eye-catching and delicious rolls that are sure to become a family favorite.

What You’ll Use For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• All Purpose Flour: The primary base for creating the soft and tender dough structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate undertone characteristic of red velvet.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with dough development.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Milk: Creates a warm environment for yeast activation and adds moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Red Food Dye: Gives the classic red velvet color to the dough.
• Yeast: Enables dough to rise and develop a light, airy texture.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm filling that adds depth and spice to the rolls.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Combine to make a smooth, creamy topping that complements the rolls.

Steps To Bake Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm milk in the microwave until it reaches a cozy 110°F. Sprinkle yeast into the warm milk and let it bubble and wake up for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Crumble cold butter into the dry mixture until it looks like tiny pebbles.

Step 3: Create the Dough

Add milk-yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Increase mixer speed and knead the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and vibrant red. This takes about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Turn oven to 200°F, then switch it off. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Shape dough into a ball, place in the bowl, and cover with a towel. Let it rise in the warm oven for one hour until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Beat until the mixture becomes a smooth, spreadable paste.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Dust a surface with flour. Roll the dough into a large rectangular shape, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon mixture across the entire dough surface, reaching every corner.

Step 9: Create the Roll

Tightly roll the dough from one of the shorter edges, forming a perfect log.

Step 10: Slice the Rolls

Trim the uneven ends. Use dental floss or a serrated knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 11: Prepare for Second Rise

Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray. Arrange rolls evenly in the pan. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.

Step 12: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around the rolls in the pan.

Step 13: Bake the Rolls

Bake for 25-27 minutes until tops are golden and center reaches 160°F.

Step 14: Whip the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 15: Finish the Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Blend until the frosting is silky and spreadable.

Step 16: Frost and Serve

Spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls, letting it melt into every delicious crevice.

Easy Tricks For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is exactly 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rise for soft rolls.
• Prevent Dough Sticking: Use light flour dusting when rolling to prevent sticking and maintain a smooth, even dough surface.
• Master Cutting Technique: Use unflavored dental floss for clean, precise cuts that won't compress the delicate roll layers.
• Enhance Moisture Trick: Pour heavy cream around rolls before baking to create extra tenderness and rich, creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese Icing Pro Tip: Spread icing while rolls are warm to allow it to melt beautifully into every delicious crevice.

Ways To Change Up Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Chocolate Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Replace red food dye with orange zest and add orange extract to the dough for a citrusy chocolate variation.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Rolls: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Red Velvet Rolls: Use plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, swap butter for coconut oil, and create a dairy-free cream cheese frosting using cashew cream.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free cream cheese, and incorporate almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content.

Nice Pairings For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or moscato that complements the rich red velvet flavor, enhancing the rolls' chocolate and cinnamon notes.
• Create Espresso Harmony: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast to the creamy cream cheese icing.
• Match Fruity Beverage Companion: Serve alongside a chilled raspberry or strawberry smoothie, which adds a refreshing tartness that balances the rolls' richness.
• Elevate with Flavor Enhancer: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or almonds alongside the rolls to introduce a nutty crunch that elevates the overall taste experience.

How To Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls The Right Way

• Store leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual rolls separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.
• Preheat oven to 300°F, place rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-12 minutes.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50-52 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls bring Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries. Creamy cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa notes promise a luxurious morning treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye

Topping/Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm milk to 110°F in microwave, then dissolve yeast and let activate for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Cut cold butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse pebbles.
4. Incorporate milk/yeast mixture, eggs, and red food coloring into dry ingredients using stand mixer with dough hook.
5. Knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth, elastic, and vibrant red.
6. Create a warm proofing environment by preheating oven to 200°F, then turning it off.
7. Grease a large bowl, shape dough into a ball, and let rise covered for 1 hour until doubled in size.
8. Prepare cinnamon filling by blending butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
9. Roll dough into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick on floured surface.
10. Evenly spread cinnamon filling across entire dough surface using offset spatula.
11. Tightly roll dough from shorter edge into a compact log.
12. Trim uneven edges, then slice log into 12 uniform rolls using dental floss or serrated knife.
13. Arrange rolls in greased baking pan, cover, and allow second rise for 20 minutes.
14. Preheat oven to 375°F and pour heavy cream around rolls before baking.
15. Bake for 25-27 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
16. Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporate powdered sugar.
17. Finish icing by mixing in vanilla and milk until spreadable consistency.
18. Immediately spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls, allowing it to melt into crevices.

Notes

• Perfectly warm milk ensures active yeast, which helps the dough rise beautifully and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
• Using dental floss for cutting prevents squishing the delicate roll shape, maintaining those gorgeous spiral layers.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting overall sugar by 25% without compromising the rich red velvet flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg