Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things sweet, tender, and fabulously festive, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. Imagine cinnamon rolls with the classic warm spice and gooey texture you love, but with a stunning red velvet twist that adds an irresistible depth of flavor and vibrant color. Perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests at brunch, these rolls combine a dreamily tender dough, a luscious spiced filling, and silky cream cheese frosting. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat once you taste the perfect balance of cinnamon, cocoa, and that iconic red velvet charm in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a vital role, from enriching the dough’s softness and color to elevating the filling’s spice blend and the frosting’s creamy finish. These simple but carefully chosen components work together beautifully so you get those signature flavors and textures in your final result.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure and softness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and cocoa.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise light and fluffy.
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F: Activates the yeast and adds tender moisture to the dough.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough for softness and flavor.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives your rolls that iconic red velvet hue.
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Balances the sweetness with subtle chocolate notes.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the cinnamon filling, providing richness and spreadability.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Sweet and caramel-like, the perfect partner for cinnamon.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate undertones inside the filling.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives cinnamon rolls their signature warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and a cozy fall vibe.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Forms the luscious base for the frosting.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Smooths the cream cheese frosting for rich creaminess.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfectly coat your rolls.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting’s flavor with subtle warmth.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading ease.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Taking the time to mix these well ensures your yeast gets evenly distributed, which leads to a consistent rise throughout your dough. This simple step is key to achieving that fluffy, tender base.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Carefully

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk (perfectly between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit), melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. Precise milk temperature is critical here: too hot or too cold, and your yeast can easily lose power. This mixture brings the vibrant color and a subtle chocolate twist to your dough.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment if you’re using a stand mixer. You’ll notice a shaggy dough begin to form — that’s exactly what you want before the kneading starts.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes by hand, or 5 to 7 minutes with a mixer. The dough should feel smooth and elastic at this point. Good kneading is essential; it strengthens gluten strands that give your rolls their wonderful chewy but tender bite.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, turning it over so the surface is coated with oil. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, then find a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours to let it double in size. This rest allows the yeast to work its magic, creating that airy texture we all crave.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

Make sure your butter is softened for easy spreading. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until you get a smooth, spreadable paste that will delight every bite with sweet spice and chocolate richness.

Step 7: Roll and Fill the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border along one long edge so the roll seals well without spilling the filling.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices—this technique keeps your rolls neat and uniform, ensuring they bake evenly.

Step 9: Second Rise

Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. This step further lightens their texture for the best pull-apart experience.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking—they should be perfectly risen with a slight crisp on top and soft centers.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While rolls cool slightly, beat softened cream cheese with butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low, then stir in vanilla extract. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred spreadable consistency. This creamy frosting is the indulgent finishing touch that melts ever so perfectly on warm rolls.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Generously spread the frosting over the warm red velvet cinnamon rolls and serve immediately. The gooey, sweet cream cheese topping makes this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe absolutely irresistible right out of the oven.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle your frosted rolls with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also pair beautifully with the rich cream cheese frosting, adding brightness and a pop of color that compliments the red velvet hue.

Side Dishes

Enjoy your rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk for the perfect balance. Light fruit salads or citrusy yogurt bowls can also be fun contrasts to the richness and help round out a festive brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve these rolls in mini muffin tins for individual portions that look charming and are grab-and-go ready. Layer slices in a clear trifle dish with cream cheese frosting between layers for an eye-catching dessert version. You could even drizzle some melted white chocolate over the frosting for an added layer of decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy their homemade goodness even after the initial bake day.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead or save some for later, these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Adding a little extra cream cheese frosting or a pat of butter after reheating keeps them moist and brings back that fresh-baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring is preferred since it provides a more vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency too much. Just adjust the amount if needed for the shade you want.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the milk with plant-based milk, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap butter with a vegan alternative. You’ll also need vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Why is my dough not rising?

The most common reason is the milk might be too hot or too cold, which can kill or slow down the yeast. Make sure your milk is between 110 and 115°F when mixing the dough, and keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot during rising.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely! After shaping and slicing the rolls into the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The rolls will rise slowly in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit more before baking for optimum fluffiness.

What’s the best way to cut the dough into rolls?

Using a serrated knife is traditional, but unflavored dental floss works wonderfully too—it makes clean cuts without squashing the dough, keeping those rolls perfectly shaped.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines that cozy, nostalgic feeling of cinnamon rolls with the stunning flavor and look of red velvet cake, creating a treat that’s as exciting for the eyes as it is for your taste buds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, making these rolls from scratch is easier than you think, and the warm, gooey deliciousness is worth every step. Give it a try and enjoy a little homemade magic you can share and savor with loved ones.

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