Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I absolutely adore these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls because they combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe quickly became one of my favorites to bake whenever I crave something indulgent yet cozy. From the vibrant red dough to the luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like a special occasion, and I love sharing them fresh from the oven with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

What makes this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stand out to me is the unique twist it adds to the classic cinnamon roll. The addition of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives the dough a stunning deep red hue and a subtle chocolate undertone, making it visually captivating and deliciously different. The cinnamon-sugar filling remains familiar and comforting, but when paired with that rich dough and topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze, the flavor profile sings with warmth and sweetness balanced perfectly.

I also appreciate how approachable this recipe is. While it might seem fancy at first glance, the ingredients are pretty straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow. I love that I can prep everything in stages, letting the dough rise while I multitask, which really helps when I’m short on time but still want a homemade treat that impresses. Plus, pulling that tray of red velvet rolls hot from the oven is one of the most rewarding moments in my kitchen!

These rolls are ideal for a weekend brunch with family, a special holiday breakfast, or even a fun weekend baking project to share with kids or friends. They’re versatile enough to dress up or down, making them perfect for celebrations or just indulging in a comforting snack. I think they truly bring a joyful vibe to any table.

Ingredients You'll Need

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic red color. Each one plays a special role—from the warm whole milk that helps activate the yeast, to the cocoa powder that adds depth, to the luscious cream cheese frosting that finishes everything off beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for that soft, tender dough that holds everything together beautifully.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate note that sets this recipe apart visually and in flavor.
• Instant yeast: Ensures a good rise, giving the rolls a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the cinnamon filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Whole milk (warm): Activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough for softness and structure.
• Unsalted butter (both melted and softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Red food coloring (gel): Gives that vibrant, eye-catching red velvet color.
• Light brown sugar: Provides deep molasses flavor for the cinnamon filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice in the filling that warms every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors and adds a lovely fragrant note.
• Cream cheese (softened): Key to the luscious frosting that balances the sweetness with tang.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Heavy cream (optional): Allows you to thin the frosting to your preferred texture.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until fully combined. This dry mix creates the base of your dough.

Step 2: Add the warm whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and red food coloring to your dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it forms a dough—this is where the magic starts as the dough turns an inviting red shade.

Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can reduce the time to 5 or 6 minutes. Proper kneading is essential for that soft, airy texture.

Step 4: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial for fluffy, tender rolls.

Step 5: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into a smooth paste. This mixture will be your cinnamon-sugar filling.

Step 6: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle—this size helps ensure perfectly sized rolls.

Step 7: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, but leave a half-inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolling.

Step 8: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. A tight roll makes sure the layers stay intact for that beautiful swirl.

Step 9: Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife, cut the log into 12 even pieces. Dental floss works wonderfully to get clean, sharp cuts without squishing the dough.

Step 10: Place the rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spacing them with a little gap for expansion.

Step 11: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffy and touching each other.

Step 12: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to get ready for baking.

Step 13: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are lightly golden and set. Be careful not to overbake, or they can dry out.

Step 14: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. This creates the perfect base for your frosting.

Step 15: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fluffy. If you prefer a thinner glaze, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 16: Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into all the nooks and crannies, making each bite irresistibly creamy.

Step 17: Serve the rolls immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of red velvet charm with cinnamon-sweet goodness.

Servings and Timing

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe yields 12 delicious servings, perfect for sharing with a crowd or keeping a few for a few indulgent mornings. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes for mixing and assembling, but remember that the dough requires about 1 to 2 hours for the initial rise and another 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. Baking takes about 20 to 25 minutes, so plan for around 2 hours and 25 minutes total from start to finish. This timeline allows for the dough to develop flavor and texture while you relax or prepare other breakfast items.

How to Serve This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

When it comes to serving, I like to present these rolls warm straight from the oven because the cream cheese frosting melts perfectly over them, creating that ultimate gooey, indulgent experience. You can plate them individually or serve a few on a platter, letting the vibrant red color brighten any brunch or dessert table. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate finishing touch for an even more inviting look.

I love pairing these rolls with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich vanilla chai latte to complement the cinnamon and cocoa flavors. For gatherings or holiday mornings, they also go wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or a tangy citrus salad that balances the sweetness. If you’re feeling festive, a mimosa or a light, fruity rosé complements the warmth and sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

These rolls are fantastic for special occasions—think family breakfasts during the holidays, a cozy weekend brunch with friends, or even a sweet treat for celebrations like Valentine’s Day because of their romantic red color. Serving them warm or slightly cooled works best, but I avoid chilling them too much since they taste best at room temperature or freshly heated to bring back softness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe because it’s so versatile. A simple substitution for the all-purpose flour to a gluten-free blend works well if you’re accommodating gluten sensitivities—just be sure to pick one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture soft. For a dairy-free or vegan twist, you can swap the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. Just keep in mind that the dough’s rise might be a little different, so watch it closely.

For flavor variations, try infusing the filling with a hint of orange zest or swapping out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall. You could also experiment with different food coloring shades if you want to create a theme or just have fun with the dough’s appearance. Another fun option is to drizzle a white chocolate glaze or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra crunch and richness.

The cooking method is pretty classic here, but I’ve found that baking in individual ramekins or muffin tins works if you want mini rolls with crispy edges all around, which are tricky to get in a single pan. You can also bake the rolls a little less and finish them under the broiler for a minute or two to get a gently caramelized top, adding a different texture to the experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend lightly covering them with plastic wrap or foil to keep them moist. For longer storage, placing them in the fridge extends freshness up to 4 days, but be aware that refrigeration can dry out the rolls slightly.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully, too! I usually wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before frosting for best results.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these rolls without sacrificing texture is to pop them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds works in a pinch but can make them a bit chewy if overdone. Avoid reheating directly from frozen, and I recommend reapplying or adding a fresh layer of frosting after warming to restore that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough and just add red food coloring for this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

While you technically could, the distinctive flavor of this recipe comes from the addition of cocoa powder combined with the yeast dough and other ingredients. Simply adding red food coloring to regular dough won't give you the same rich red velvet flavor and subtle chocolate notes that make these rolls unique.

Do I have to use gel food coloring?

I recommend gel food coloring because it provides a vibrant, concentrated color without adding extra liquid, which could affect your dough consistency. Liquid food coloring can make the dough too wet, resulting in less than ideal texture—so if possible, stick to gel for the best results.

Can I prepare the dough the night before and bake the next day?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the rolled and sliced dough covered overnight. Just take it out about an hour before baking to let it come up to room temperature and rise again, then bake as usual. This makes it easier to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning without starting from scratch.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you want to avoid cream cheese, you can try making a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk or cream instead. While the tangy cream cheese adds a signature balance to these rolls, a vanilla glaze will still provide sweetness and moisture if you prefer something lighter or dairy-free.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be lightly golden on top and spring back gently when pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with very few moist crumbs, but never wet dough. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender—20 to 25 minutes is usually perfect in a 350°F oven.

Conclusion

I genuinely believe this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a fantastic way to brighten up any morning or special occasion with something a little unexpected yet universally loved. The rich red color, combined with the cozy cinnamon flavor and the dreamy cream cheese frosting, makes these rolls incredibly special. I hope you’ll try making them yourself soon—they’re a total crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite I’m so happy to share with you!

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