Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Swirls of Sweet Bliss

Warm, gooey red velvet cinnamon rolls create magic in kitchens everywhere.

Sweet aromas drift through morning spaces, promising delectable comfort.

Soft dough swirls with rich crimson hues that beckon passionate bakers.

Delicate layers promise decadent textures melting on eager tongues.

Nostalgic memories of grandma’s baking dance alongside modern culinary creativity.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds luxurious finishing touches that make hearts flutter.

Curious cooks can craft these irresistible treats and impress everyone at breakfast.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls That Combine Two Desserts in One

  • Quicken Baking Magic: Whip up these stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls in just under 3 hours, making it perfect for weekend baking adventures.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining rich red velvet flavors with traditional comfort dessert elements.
  • Foolproof Family Delight: Easy step-by-step instructions ensure even novice bakers can create bakery-quality treats that everyone from kids to grandparents will adore.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adjust sweetness levels or add extra spices to make these rolls match your personal taste preferences and create a signature dessert experience.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: What’s Inside

For Bread Base:
  • Flour: Foundation of soft, fluffy rolls with structure and texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate color and subtle flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and controls yeast development.
Yeast Activation Group:
  • Warm Milk: Creates ideal environment for yeast growth.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with fermentation.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Enables dough to rise and develop soft texture.
Moisture and Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Melted Butter: Provides moisture and tender texture to rolls.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates signature red velvet appearance.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness to rolls.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, spicy flavor profile.
  • Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and adds richness.
Cream Cheese Frosting Group:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
  • Butter: Adds richness and creamy texture to frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a Sweet Twist

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour in warm milk.

Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and let it sit quietly until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

This magical process wakes up the yeast and prepares it for creating fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Combine the activated yeast mixture with:
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Red food coloring
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Mix wet and dry ingredients until a soft, vibrant dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface, transforming it into a smooth, elastic masterpiece.

Step 3: Allow First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.

Cover and let it rest in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours.

Watch it double in size, developing rich flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prepare Delicious Filling

Blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Mix until thoroughly combined, creating a sweet and aromatic filling.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.

Spread the filling generously across the surface.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal pieces.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Final Rise

Cover the rolls with a soft towel.

Let them puff up for 30 minutes, becoming soft and pillowy.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and look irresistible.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla

Spread the luscious frosting over warm rolls.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Red Velvet Roll Tips with Cinnamon Center Goodness

  • Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating perfectly soft and fluffy rolls.
  • Use gel food coloring for intense red hue without watering down the dough's consistency and texture.
  • Roll the dough evenly and tightly to prevent gaps in the filling, ensuring each bite is packed with cinnamon sweetness.
  • Check rolls at 20 minutes and cover with aluminum foil if browning too quickly, keeping them moist and tender.
  • Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.

Saving Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Right

  • Store leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the rolls completely before placing them in the container to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Transfer frozen rolls to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the microwave or oven method. Add fresh frosting after reheating for extra deliciousness.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Smooth espresso blended with steamed milk perfectly complements the rich red velvet cinnamon rolls, balancing their sweetness with a warm, velvety coffee experience.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Berry Compote: Tart raspberry or strawberry sauce adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet, decadent rolls, cutting through the richness and providing a fresh flavor punch.
  • Match with Whipped Cream Dollop: Top each roll with a light, airy dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and add an extra layer of indulgent smoothness to the dessert.
  • Complement with Cold Milk Glass: Classic cold milk creates a nostalgic, comforting pairing that helps cleanse the palate and provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced rolls.

Red Velvet Rolls with Cinnamon Fillings

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Red Velvet Rolls: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich red velvet flavor.
  • Vegan Crimson Cinnamon Swirls: Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, swap eggs with flax eggs, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based alternative that keeps the classic red color.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Rolls: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use dark cocoa powder for deeper flavor, and reduce overall sugar content in the filling and frosting while maintaining the signature red velvet essence.
  • Keto-Friendly Red Velvet Option: Create the rolls using almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, use cream cheese as a binding agent, and incorporate cocoa powder sparingly to achieve a low-carb version that mimics the original recipe's richness.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to add red food coloring to the dough?

Red food coloring gives the classic red velvet color and enhances the traditional red velvet flavor profile, making these cinnamon rolls visually appealing and distinctive.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before rolling and shaping to allow the dough to come to room temperature.

  • What type of yeast should I use for this recipe?

Active dry yeast works best. Make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired to ensure proper rising and texture of the cinnamon rolls.

  • How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. In a warm environment, this typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls blend Southern charm with classic bakery comfort, creating a dessert that dazzles senses. Sweet spirals of crimson delight promise pure bliss with each warm, gooey bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg

Flavor and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by whisking warm milk and sugar in a compact vessel, then dust yeast across the surface. Allow the mixture to develop and foam for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Construct the crimson dough by integrating the activated yeast with melted butter, vibrant egg, and rich red food coloring. Separately combine the dry components: flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Incrementally merge the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, creating a supple, cohesive texture. Tenderly knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface until smooth and resilient.
  3. Nurture the dough’s growth by transferring it to a lightly oiled container. Encase the vessel and position in a gentle, warm environment. Permit the dough to expand and double in volume over 1-1.5 hours.
  4. Craft the filling by blending softened butter with caramel-like brown sugar and warm cinnamon until thoroughly integrated.
  5. Transform the dough into a rectangular canvas by rolling it to 12×18 inches. Distribute the fragrant filling evenly across the surface. From the elongated edge, meticulously roll the dough into a compact log. Segment the log into 12 uniform portions, nestling them into a prepared baking vessel.
  6. Encourage a secondary rise by draping a light cloth over the rolls. Allow them to become puffy and voluminous for approximately 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment. Bake the rolls until they achieve a golden, delicate complexion, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  8. Whip the cream cheese frosting by vigorously combining cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and luxurious. Lavish the warm rolls with the decadent topping immediately after baking.

Notes

  • For best yeast activation, ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to create perfect foamy texture without killing the yeast.
  • Adding cocoa powder intensifies red velvet flavor and creates deeper color; use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for richer taste.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in softer, more tender cinnamon rolls with better rise and texture.
  • Chill dough briefly before rolling to make handling easier and prevent butter from melting too quickly during preparation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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