Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the warm spices of classic cinnamon rolls. This indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet, comforting baked good.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for consistency

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast to evenly distribute the yeast throughout the flour mixture.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. The milk should be between 110-115°F for best results.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before preparing the filling.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.
8. Step 8: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
9. Step 9: Spread the red velvet filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
10. Step 10: Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
11. Step 11: Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
12. Step 12: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
13. Step 13: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
14. Step 14: Let the rolls cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
15. Step 15: Soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature for the frosting.
16. Step 16: Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
17. Step 17: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
18. Step 18: Stir in vanilla extract, then add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
19. Step 19: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
20. Step 20: Serve the rolls warm and enjoy fresh for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a natural red color, try beet juice instead of red food coloring.
• Use dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy twist.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk, butter, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm before serving to restore softness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice for color or simply omit it; the rolls will still taste delicious but have a more traditional cinnamon roll appearance.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll experience with the rich flavors of red velvet cake, enhanced by a decadent cream cheese frosting. Soft, tender, and perfectly spiced with cocoa and cinnamon, these rolls are ideal for special breakfasts, brunches, or desserts. This ultimate guide walks you through each step of making the dough, preparing the filling, baking, and frosting to achieve bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for consistency

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Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast, ensuring the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk warm milk (110-115°F), melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder until combined perfectly.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough is formed.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl, mixing into a smooth, spreadable paste.
7. Roll Out Dough: Punch down risen dough to release air, turn onto a floured surface, roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
8. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared red velvet filling over the dough, leaving a small border on one long side.
9. Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
10. Cut Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover loosely, and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
12. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Cool Before Frosting: Let rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to prevent frosting from melting excessively.
14. Prepare Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
15. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired spreadable consistency is achieved.
16. Frost Rolls: Generously spread cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
17. Serve and Store: Serve the rolls warm for best flavor; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warmed to 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it.
• Softened butter is key for both filling and frosting to ensure smooth texture and easy spreading.
• Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• The cinnamon roll dough is enriched with cocoa and red food coloring to create the signature red velvet look and flavor.
• Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk slowly to avoid overly thin or thick frosting.
• Leftover rolls can be reheated in microwave or oven for best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, cream cheese frosting, red velvet dessert, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon, cocoa, red food coloring