There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of red velvet and cinnamon rolls. The striking crimson dough swirled with warm cinnamon and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting creates a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. As someone who has spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, I’m thrilled to share my version of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that never fails to impress.
These aren’t your ordinary cinnamon rolls. By infusing the classic red velvet flavor profile into a traditional cinnamon roll recipe, we create something truly special—perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to make an ordinary day extraordinary.
What Makes These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Special
Red velvet has a unique flavor that’s more complex than simply “chocolate with red food coloring.” The slight tanginess from buttermilk and the subtle cocoa notes create a sophisticated flavor foundation. When transformed into cinnamon rolls, the result is a beautiful marriage of flavors: the slight cocoa undertones complement the warm cinnamon spice, while the cream cheese frosting ties everything together perfectly—just as it does in classic red velvet cake.
The visual impact is undeniable too. Slicing into the roll reveals gorgeous ruby-colored spirals that make these an instant showstopper on any table.
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Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (60 g) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring
For the cinnamon filling:
- ½ cup (100 g) softened butter
- ½ cup (120 g) brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp cinnamon
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 5 oz (150 g) cream cheese (Philadelphia-style)
- ¼ cup (60 g) softened butter
- ¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir well.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
3. Shape the rolls
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches / 40×30 cm).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut into 10-12 slices and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
4. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Prepare the glaze
- Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the warm cinnamon rolls for a soft and gooey finish.
For extra texture, sprinkle some cookie crumbs or biscuit crumbles on top,
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spread the frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm (but not hot) so it can melt slightly into the crevices.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Temperature matters: Ensure your buttermilk is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, as excessive heat will kill the yeast.
- For the richest color: Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for a more vibrant red without affecting the dough consistency.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare these rolls the night before. After placing the cut rolls in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
- Achieving the perfect texture: Avoid adding too much flour during kneading. A slightly tacky dough will produce softer, more tender rolls.
- Cutting technique: For clean cuts, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. Slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through the dough without squishing it.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Nutty Red Velvet Rolls: Sprinkle 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
- White Chocolate Frosting: Add 4 oz of melted and slightly cooled white chocolate to the cream cheese frosting for an even more decadent topping.
- Orange-Infused Red Velvet Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough and 1 teaspoon to the frosting for a subtle citrus twist that complements the cocoa and cinnamon beautifully.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the frosting is still slightly melty and the rolls are at their most tender. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, or place multiple rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Unfrosted rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven and add fresh frosting before serving.
Why These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth the Effort
While making cinnamon rolls from scratch does require time and patience, the results are incomparable to anything store-bought. The stunning color and unique flavor combination of these red velvet cinnamon rolls make them perfect for special occasions:
- Holiday mornings: Their festive red color makes them perfect for Christmas breakfast or Valentine’s Day brunch.
- Bridal or baby showers: The beautiful presentation will impress guests at any special gathering.
- Weekend family treats: Make Saturday morning memorable with these show-stopping rolls.
There’s something deeply satisfying about placing a warm pan of these vibrant rolls on the table and watching everyone’s eyes widen. The striking color, the enticing aroma of cinnamon and cocoa, and that first bite into a soft, gooey roll with tangy cream cheese frosting—it’s an experience that creates lasting memories.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough not rising properly: This is usually due to inactive yeast or an environment that’s too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and provide a warm, draft-free spot for rising.
- Rolls baking unevenly: Rotate your pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning and doneness.
- Filling leaking out: Make sure to leave that 1/2-inch border when spreading your filling, and don’t roll the dough too tightly.
- Color not vibrant enough: Red food coloring can sometimes lose vibrancy when baked. Using gel food coloring and adding a touch more than you think you need can help maintain that striking red color.
Nutritional Considerations
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are definitely a special treat. Each roll contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on size. If you’re looking to make them slightly lighter:
- Reduce the amount of butter in the filling to 1/3 cup
- Use light cream cheese in the frosting
- Make smaller rolls (16 instead of 12) to reduce portion sizes
However, sometimes a decadent treat enjoyed occasionally is good for the soul—and these rolls certainly qualify as soul food!
Final Thoughts
Creating these red velvet cinnamon rolls may take a few hours from start to finish, but the process is deeply rewarding. There’s something almost therapeutic about working with yeasted dough—watching it transform from simple ingredients into something spectacular.
When you pull that pan of vibrant red swirls from the oven, your kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and cocoa, you’ll understand why these have become a beloved favorite in my household. They’re not just breakfast; they’re an experience—one that’s worth every minute spent creating them.
So set aside a morning, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to dazzle family and friends with these irresistible red velvet cinnamon rolls. I promise the results will be as delicious as they are beautiful.