Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of cinnamon rolls, but this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe really takes things to a whole new level for me. The rich, subtle cocoa in the dough pairs perfectly with the classic cinnamon sugar filling, and the red velvet color just makes these rolls so festive and inviting. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I love how the cream cheese frosting makes them irresistibly creamy and luscious. It’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something truly special on a lazy weekend morning.

Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

What sets this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe apart for me is the incredible balance of flavors. The cocoa powder lightly infuses the dough with a deep chocolate undertone, but it doesn’t overpower the cinnamon sugar filling. The red food coloring adds that vibrant, eye-catching hue that makes these rolls so much fun to serve at holiday brunches or birthday celebrations. They’re classic cinnamon rolls with a playful twist, and I always get compliments on their unique taste and stunning appearance.

I also adore how manageable this recipe is despite using a yeast dough. It’s surprisingly straightforward because the ingredients are so familiar, and the step-by-step rising and rolling process feels almost therapeutic. I’ve made it multiple times, and whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe comes together beautifully without lots of complicated techniques. Plus, there’s something so rewarding about pulling a tray of warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls from the oven that’s hard to beat.

These rolls shine at so many occasions—from cozy Sunday brunches with family to special holiday mornings. Whenever I serve them, they bring an immediate festive vibe. You can fancy them up for parties by garnishing with fresh berries or edible glitter, or keep them simple and homey for a weekend treat. They’re the kind of recipe that feels celebratory yet comforting, and I can’t recommend this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough if you want your kitchen to feel like a warm bakery in a pinch.

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of this recipe truly comes down to its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one works together to create that perfect texture, taste, and classic red velvet color that makes these cinnamon rolls unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing that perfect soft but sturdy texture you want in a cinnamon roll.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the subtle chocolate flavor key to the red velvet profile without overwhelming the cinnamon.
• Instant yeast: Ensures a nice rise and fluffiness in the dough for soft, airy rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Warm whole milk: Adds richness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, contributing to the tender crumb.
• Melted unsalted butter: Keeps the dough soft and moist, plus helps with flavor.
• Red food coloring (gel preferred): Gives that iconic red velvet color, making these rolls instantly special.
• Light brown sugar: Gives the cinnamon filling a lovely molasses depth and chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that warm, aromatic filling we all crave in cinnamon rolls.
• Vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and layers of flavor in both the filling and frosting.
• Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the luscious, tangy frosting that complements the rolls perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while helping it achieve that creamy, spreadable consistency.
• Heavy cream (optional): Used to thin the frosting if desired for a drizzle or glaze consistency.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mixture sets the stage for our dough’s texture and flavor layers.

Step 2: Add the warm whole milk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and red food coloring to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast, and the red food coloring begins transforming the dough.

Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. If you prefer using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for about 5 to 6 minutes. This kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, which makes the rolls delightfully soft and chewy.

Step 4: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and feels pillowy to the touch.

Step 5: While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to form a smooth spice paste. This filling is where the classic cinnamon roll flavor shines bright against the red velvet backdrop.

Step 6: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle. This size is perfect to roll into that classic cinnamon swirl shape.

Step 7: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling all over the rolled dough, leaving a ½-inch border free around the edges. This border helps the dough seal tightly when rolling up, so none of that delicious filling escapes.

Step 8: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. A snug roll helps create those beautiful swirls once cut.

Step 9: Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife to carefully cut the log into 12 even-sized pieces. Dental floss is a nifty trick to get clean cuts without squashing the dough.

Step 10: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish with a little space between each to allow rising. This pan size is perfect to keep them close enough to puff into each other while baking but not squished.

Step 11: Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they are puffy and touching at the edges.

Step 12: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it is fully heated before putting in the rolls for even baking.

Step 13: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are lightly golden on top and fully set. Be careful not to overbake as you want them soft and tender, not dry.

Step 14: For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 15: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If you want a thinner glaze, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 16: Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt naturally into every swirl and crevice, elevating each bite to pure indulgence.

Step 17: Serve immediately while warm and gooey, and enjoy the delightful combination of red velvet charm and cinnamon roll comfort.

Servings and Timing

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe yields about 12 generous rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time, including kneading and rolling, takes approximately 40 minutes, but the dough needs about 1 to 2 hours for the first rise and an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. Baking time is around 20 to 25 minutes, so in total, you're looking at just under 3 hours from start to finish. The waiting for the dough to rise is worth every second since it creates that incredible soft and fluffy texture.

How to Serve This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Whenever I serve these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, I like to keep things simple but also add a few touches to make the experience special. They’re fantastic just as they are—fresh out of the oven with the cream cheese frosting melting all over the top. I often pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate to complement the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.

If I’m serving these at a brunch or party, I’ll sometimes garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. Fresh berries or edible flowers on the side add a beautiful pop of color that really makes the plate look inviting and festive. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, so I always recommend serving them right after frosting whenever possible, but they’re still delicious at room temperature a few hours later.

For an adult twist, I sometimes serve these with a light dessert wine like a Moscato d’Asti or even a creamy spiced latte cocktail. They’re perfect for holiday mornings with loved ones, a cozy family weekend breakfast, or a delightful treat at a special gathering. Portion-wise, one roll per person is usually perfect since they’re so rich and satisfying, but having extras on hand is always a must!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to fit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend, although I recommend checking the dough consistency as it might be a bit stickier and require extra flour for kneading. For a vegan take, substitute the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap butter for vegan margarine. The taste shift is subtle but still wonderfully indulgent.

If you want to change up the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for an extra warm spice note. You could also swap the classic cinnamon filling for a chocolate or raspberry spread to create a more unique swirl inside. Another fun variation is to make smaller rolls for bite-sized treats, which reduces baking time and works great for parties or snacks.

As for cooking methods, while the traditional oven bake is perfect, I’ve also baked these cinnamon rolls in a slow cooker on low heat lined with parchment paper for about 2 hours, which gives them an ultra-soft, steamed texture. Or if you have an air fryer with a baking pan, it can create faster baking while maintaining fluffiness. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and honestly, sometimes I don’t!), store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warmer, I recommend refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps them moist, but if you find the rolls start to dry out, a quick wrap in plastic wrap helps maintain softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze quite well! I like to freeze them before the second rise—once they’re cut and placed in the baking dish but before baking. Wrap the entire tray tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place individual rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, allow the second rise, and then bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the best method is to warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, wrapping them lightly in foil to avoid drying. Avoid overheating, which can make them tough or dry out the frosting. If the frosting has hardened in the fridge, a gentle microwave zap softens it beautifully. You can also add a small dab of butter on top before warming to revive that fresh-baked richness.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, regular unsweetened cocoa powder is best to achieve the red velvet flavor without extra sweetness or fat. Avoid sweetened cocoa as it might throw off the balance of flavors and dough texture.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or powder for coloring, but be aware the color might be less vibrant and can slightly affect flavor. Without food coloring, the rolls will still taste amazing but won’t have the signature red velvet look.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, do the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight before rolling and cutting the next day. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out for best results.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls if I don’t have dental floss?

A sharp serrated knife works fine if handled gently to avoid squashing. Make sure to use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down to keep the swirls intact.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or bake in two pans simultaneously. Just be sure to give each batch enough space to rise and bake evenly.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because it’s truly one of those special treats that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavors that bring a little magic to your morning or brunch table. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just indulging yourself, these rolls are a joyful way to make any day a bit brighter. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll keep coming back to!

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