Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the perfect fusion of two beloved classics—red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls. These red velvet cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a holiday treat, or a weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to impress. With their vibrant red color, decadent texture, and irresistible flavor, they are a showstopper.

In this recipe, we’ll go over everything you need to make perfect homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch. We’ll cover ingredient choices, baking tips, storage methods, and fun variations to try. Let’s dive in and create these pillowy, sweet, and slightly tangy red velvet cinnamon rolls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Twist on a Classic – Combines the velvety richness of red velvet cake with the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or birthdays.
• Irresistibly Soft and Gooey – A tender, buttery dough with a rich cinnamon filling.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – The perfect tangy-sweet topping to balance out the flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
• Homemade Goodness – No preservatives, just pure, delicious homemade baking!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer.
• Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (1 tbsp at a time).
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

• In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Set aside until ready to spread over the dough.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle.
• Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
• Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
• Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Second Rise and Baking

• Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden and the rolls are cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
• If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of milk to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

• Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• Cocoa Powder – Adds the signature mild chocolate flavor to red velvet.
• Red Food Coloring – Gives the rolls their iconic color.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon – The classic, warm cinnamon roll flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Balances sweetness with a hint of tanginess.

Technique Tips

• Use warm milk (not hot!) – This helps activate the yeast properly.
• Knead until smooth – Proper kneading develops gluten, ensuring soft rolls.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place – If your kitchen is cool, place it in an oven with the light on.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Heart-Shaped Rolls – Roll and shape for Valentine’s Day.
• Mini Cinnamon Rolls – Cut smaller for bite-sized treats.

Additional Tips for Success

• If you prefer less intense coloring, reduce the red food dye to ½ tbsp.
• Don’t overbake, or they may become dry.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Add chocolate chips inside the filling.
• Nutty Delight – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
• Reduce sugar by substituting half with a sugar alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Buffet – Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
• Holiday Breakfast – Perfect for Christmas morning or Valentine’s Day.

Special Equipment

• Stand Mixer (optional) – Speeds up the dough kneading process.
• Rolling Pin – Essential for rolling out the dough evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! If you want to prepare these the night before, simply assemble the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking.

2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first. To do this, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (110°F) with 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, proceed with the recipe as usual. Instant yeast, on the other hand, can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.

3. How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?

The key to keeping cinnamon rolls soft is to store them properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, reheat them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. If storing for a longer period, freezing is the best option.

4. Can I make these without food coloring?

Absolutely! Red food coloring is used purely for aesthetic purposes, so omitting it won’t change the flavor. If you still want a natural red hue, try using beet powder or pomegranate juice instead. You can also keep them as classic chocolate cinnamon rolls by leaving out any coloring altogether.

5. What if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, several factors could be at play:

• Expired yeast – Make sure your yeast is fresh and not past its expiration date.
• Incorrect liquid temperature – If your milk is too hot, it could kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate. The ideal temperature is 110°F (45°C).
• Cold environment – Yeast thrives in a warm space. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
• Too much flour – Adding too much flour can make the dough dense and inhibit rising. Stick to the recipe measurements and add flour sparingly when kneading.

6. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! While cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with red velvet cinnamon rolls, you can try other toppings:

• Vanilla glaze – A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
• White chocolate drizzle – Melted white chocolate drizzled over the warm rolls.
• Buttercream frosting – A thicker, sweeter option for an extra indulgent treat.
• Maple glaze – Combine powdered sugar with maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.

7. How do I reheat cinnamon rolls?

To enjoy your cinnamon rolls warm and fresh, try these reheating methods:

• Microwave – Heat a single roll for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix.
• Oven – Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes to restore texture.
• Steaming method – Place a damp paper towel over the roll and microwave for 20-30 seconds to retain moisture.

8. Can I add extra spices?

Yes! While cinnamon is the star of the filling, you can elevate the flavor with additional spices:

• Nutmeg – Adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor.
• Cardamom – Brings a floral, slightly citrusy depth.
• Cloves – A bold, spiced touch for extra warmth.
• Pumpkin spice – A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a fall-inspired twist.

Conclusion

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a decadent, festive, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or weekend indulgence. Their rich cocoa-infused dough, warm cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making these for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply because you deserve a treat, they are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

The best part? They can be prepped ahead, frozen for later, or customized to your taste. Whether you swap the frosting, adjust the spices, or make them bite-sized, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these incredible cinnamon rolls. Try them out and experience the perfect blend of red velvet cake and gooey cinnamon goodness in every bite! Happy baking!