The Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Crafting the perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls brings pure magic into your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will dance through every corner of your home.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for rich crimson swirls and warm spices.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious decadence to each delectable bite.

Weekend mornings deserve something extraordinary that makes everyone smile.

Baking these rolls turns an ordinary breakfast into a celebration of flavor and comfort.

You won’t be able to resist the allure of these irresistible treats.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls For Special Mornings

• Simplify Baking: Craft delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the elegant charm of red velvet, creating a showstopping dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Versatile Occasion Dessert: Ideal for breakfast gatherings, brunch parties, holiday celebrations, or as a special weekend treat that brings everyone together with its irresistible aroma and stunning appearance.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or experimenting with different frosting variations to make these rolls uniquely yours.

Gather Ingredients For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the red velvet cinnamon rolls.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and contributes to the classic red velvet color.
• Milk: Creates moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a soft, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with yeast activation.

• Butter, Vanilla Extract: Add depth of flavor and richness to the dough.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the characteristic red velvet color to the rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a warm, sweet, and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combine to make a smooth and creamy frosting topping.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

Steps For Soft And Rich Red Velvet Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in warm milk.

Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let it sit quietly.

Watch for tiny bubbles to form and the mixture to become wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Blend Liquid Ingredients

Drop sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.

Whisk everything together until completely combined and silky smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Components

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough starts to develop.

Step 4: Knead Vibrant Dough

Splash in red food coloring and transfer the dough to a floured surface.

Knead with your hands, working the color evenly throughout.

Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Allow First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free spot.

Let the dough rise and expand for 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Create Aromatic Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients form a rich, fragrant spread.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Dust your work surface with flour.

Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a large rectangular shape.

Step 8: Distribute Filling

Spread the cinnamon mixture generously across the entire surface of the rolled-out dough.

Step 9: Form Cinnamon Roll Log

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side, creating a beautiful spiral.

Slice the log into 12 even pieces.

Step 10: Second Rising Period

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Warm the oven to 350F.

Slide the baking dish inside and bake until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 12: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

Continue mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 13: Add Luxurious Topping

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Step 14: Serve And Savor

Pull apart these gorgeous red velvet cinnamon rolls and enjoy every delightful bite!

Tips For Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Swirls

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which helps achieve soft, fluffy rolls.
• Add food coloring gradually to achieve desired deep red hue without altering dough consistency.
• Use gentle, consistent motions when kneading to develop gluten without overworking the dough.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and quickly.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Twists To Try

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Rolls: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for frosting to create a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, coconut cream cheese for frosting, and plant-based butter to create a roll suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Creative Serving Ideas For Red Velvet Rolls

• Romantic Dessert Date Night: Impress your partner by serving these vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls with soft candlelight and fresh coffee. Create an intimate dining experience that sparks conversation and connection.
• Brunch Party Centerpiece: Transform your morning gathering by presenting these stunning red rolls as the star attraction. Arrange beautifully on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for visual appeal.
• Weekend Family Indulgence: Make weekend mornings special by baking these rolls together. Let kids help sprinkle cinnamon or drizzle frosting, turning breakfast into a fun family bonding activity that creates lasting memories.
• Gifting Comfort: Package cooled rolls in cute vintage boxes with parchment paper. Wrap with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that shows love and care, perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends feeling under the weather.

Best Storage Methods For Red Velvet Rolls

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm rolls at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp edges.
• Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to keep them soft and prevent hardening.

FAQs

• What gives these cinnamon rolls their distinctive red color?

The red food coloring is added during the kneading process to create the signature red velvet appearance, transforming traditional cinnamon rolls into a visually striking dessert.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

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

• Why use cocoa powder in the dough?

Cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor and contributes to the classic red velvet taste, creating a more complex and rich background flavor for the cinnamon rolls.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls merge classic Southern charm with decadent dessert magic. Rich crimson swirls and cream cheese frosting promise a luxurious breakfast experience that delights your senses with each warm, spiced bite.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by dissolving it in warm milk (110°F) and allow to bloom for 7-8 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
2. Incorporate sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a homogeneous liquid base.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate container, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients, creating a cohesive dough.
4. Introduce red food coloring and transfer dough to a floured surface, kneading vigorously for 6-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a draft-free area for 90 minutes until volume doubles.
6. Prepare filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until creating a uniform, spreadable mixture.
7. Roll out dough into a rectangular shape approximately 16×12 inches, ensuring an even thickness across the surface.
8. Distribute filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling.
9. Tightly roll the dough from the longer side, creating a compact log, then slice into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife.
10. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each piece, and let rise for 40 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and center rolls appear fully cooked.
12. Whip cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth frosting.
13. Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes before generously spreading cream cheese frosting across the surface.
14. Serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can make rolls dense and heavy.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without diluting dough’s consistency and achieve that signature red velvet look.
• Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
• Allow eggs, butter, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 274 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 49 mg