Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1–2 tbsp red food coloring; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling); 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the luscious flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are soft, indulgent, and visually striking—a perfect centerpiece for brunch or a sweet treat for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together two beloved desserts in one unforgettable bite. The dough is soft and fluffy, with a subtle chocolatey undertone characteristic of red velvet. The cinnamon filling adds warmth and spice, while the cream cheese frosting provides the perfect tangy balance. These rolls are ideal for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Unsalted butter (melted)
Eggs
Red food coloring
Salt
Brown sugar (for filling)
Ground cinnamon
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth.
Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Chocolate-filled: Add mini chocolate chips inside with the cinnamon sugar.
Orange glaze: Replace cream cheese frosting with an orange zest glaze.
No food coloring: Skip the red dye for a classic cocoa cinnamon roll.

Storage/Reheating

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds.
Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Unfrosted rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

FAQs

What makes red velvet different from chocolate?

Red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor with a slight tang, traditionally from buttermilk and vinegar.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.

How do I prevent the rolls from being dry?

Ensure not to overbake and use a generous amount of filling and frosting.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, use a dough hook on medium speed for about 8 minutes.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary?

It complements the flavor well, but you can use vanilla glaze if preferred.

How can I make these rolls more festive?

Top with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or holiday-colored sugar.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free frosting alternative.

Do I need a bread flour?

All-purpose flour is sufficient for a soft, fluffy texture.

Can I add a chocolate drizzle?

Yes, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence.

Should I refrigerate frosted rolls?

Yes, especially with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate if not serving within a few hours.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopping twist on a classic favorite. With their vibrant color, rich flavor, and creamy topping, they are sure to become a favorite at your table. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever you crave something sweet and special, these rolls are as delightful to eat as they are to share.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on a classic treat, combining the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting cinnamon swirl and a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add flour and mix to form a soft dough. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly on top.
Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
While rolls bake, make frosting: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth.
Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.