Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet, soft dough swirled with rich red velvet cinnamon rolls that dance between decadence and comfort.

A bakery-style treat promises pure indulgence with every delicate bite.

These crimson-hued pastries blend classic southern charm with irresistible warmth.

Buttery layers melt into a creamy cream cheese frosting that promises pure bliss.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon peek through vibrant red dough, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience.

Weekend brunch or special morning celebrations demand these show-stopping rolls that will make everyone swoon.

Pull these heavenly treats straight from the oven and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Tools to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough smoothly.
• Dough hook: Helps knead dough quickly and efficiently if using a stand mixer.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out the dough into a precise rectangle.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides the perfect space for rolling and baking cinnamon rolls.
• Whisk: Great for mixing wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling and frosting evenly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting rolls into precise pieces.
• Damp cloth: Used for covering dough during rising process.
• Baking sheet (optional): Can be used as an alternative to baking dish.

Bake Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Swirls

• Awaken the Yeast

Stir warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar together in a cozy mixing bowl. Watch the happen as the mixture becomes bubbly and alive.

• Create the Dough Base

Blend eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and a splash of red food coloring into the yeast mixture. Whisk until everything dances together smoothly.

• Build the Dough

Slowly fold flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it feels soft and springy, working it with love on a floured surface.

• Let the Dough Rise

Tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover it gently, and let it rest in a warm spot. Watch it grow and double in size, becoming puffy and full of promise.

• Create the Filling

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa into a luscious, spreadable paste that will make taste buds dance.

• Shape the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a beautiful rectangle. Spread the filling generously, then roll it up into a tight, delicious log. Slice into perfect swirls.

• Final Rise and Bake

Nestle the rolls in a baking dish and let them puff up one last time. Slide them into a 350F oven and bake until golden and irresistible.

• Frost and Enjoy

Whip up a creamy frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Slather it over warm rolls and dive in!

Tips That Boost Flavor in Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture for extra-soft, tender rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.
• Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to help bind the dough. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative made from cashew cream or vegan cream cheese.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to add depth to the rolls. Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the filling for extra crunch and flavor.

Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Fresh and Warm

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Pair these red velvet cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a rich, indulgent experience that combines warm spices and cool creaminess.
• Breakfast Bliss Plate: Serve alongside fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a visually stunning breakfast spread that balances the rolls' deep chocolate notes.
• Coffee Lovers' Dream: Match these rolls with a strong espresso or creamy latte, letting the bold coffee cut through the sweetness and enhance the cinnamon's warm undertones.
• Brunch Showstopper: Create a stunning brunch centerpiece by arranging the rolls on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of extra cream cheese frosting for dramatic presentation.

Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to Keep Them Soft

• Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. These delicious treats stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor.
• Carefully store unbaked rolls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for fresh-tasting cinnamon rolls.
• Warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of water to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Leave frosted rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days, covering them loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

• What gives these red velvet cinnamon rolls their distinctive color?

The vibrant red color comes from red food coloring added directly to the dough mixture, creating the classic red velvet appearance while maintaining the traditional cinnamon roll texture.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling and filling before the second rise.

• Is cocoa powder necessary for this recipe?

Cocoa powder is essential as it provides the subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of red velvet and helps achieve the deep red color by enhancing the food coloring’s intensity.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when lightly pressed. It should not be sticky or dry, but soft and pliable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Rich and Fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the rolls, choose unbleached for better texture and flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for dough rising, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, opt for pure cane sugar.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate undertone, select high-quality Dutch-processed variety.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt.

• Whole Milk: Creates tender crumb, use room temperature for best absorption.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness, select large farm-fresh eggs.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and softness, choose European-style for deeper taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile, pure extract recommended over artificial.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates signature red velvet color, use gel for more vibrant hue.

• Brown Sugar: Brings caramel-like depth to filling, dark variety recommended.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice, freshly ground preferred.
• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth frosting, full-fat version works best.
• Powdered Sugar: Smooths and sweetens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency, whole milk preferred.

Luscious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine Southern charm with classic breakfast pastry. Cream cheese frosting and deep crimson dough create an irresistible morning treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 mL) warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 12 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsps milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar, allowing it to become frothy for 7-10 minutes, creating a foundation for the dough’s rise.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and red food coloring into the activated yeast mixture until thoroughly combined, developing a vibrant red base.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Gradually fold flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, forming a cohesive, soft dough with a rich chocolate undertone.
4. Dough Preparation: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, developing its elasticity until it becomes supple and springs back when pressed.
5. First Proofing: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a draft-free area until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
6. Filling Creation: Blend softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder to craft a rich, aromatic filling that will infuse the rolls with deep flavor.
7. Rolling and Filling: Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, spread the filling evenly, leaving a small margin on one long edge, then carefully roll into a tight log and slice into 12 equal portions.
8. Second Proofing: Arrange the rolled segments in a greased baking dish, allowing slight space for expansion, then cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and interconnected.
9. Baking Process: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, monitoring their golden color and ensuring complete cooking.
10. Frosting Finale: Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, then generously spread over warm rolls to create an irresistible, melting glaze.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is precisely warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it, which guarantees perfect dough rising.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading vigorously for exact 8-10 minutes, creating elasticity that prevents dense, heavy rolls.
• Control Temperature Zones: Use a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help dough rise consistently and evenly.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, uniform roll slices that bake evenly and look professionally prepared.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 294
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 182 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg