Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Heavenly Sweet Treat

Crafting these delectable red velvet cinnamon rolls will transport you to a realm of pure indulgence.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising an unforgettable baking adventure.

Soft, pillowy dough swirled with rich crimson hues beckons your culinary creativity.

Delicate layers promise a sensory experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Hints of cocoa and warm spices weave magic into every decadent bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently tackle this charming recipe with ease.

Each roll represents a small celebration of comfort and joy that you won’t want to miss.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls That Taste Bakery-Made

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This red velvet cinnamon roll recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, these rolls transform an ordinary gathering into a special culinary experience with their stunning red color and irresistible aroma.
• Weekend Baking Bliss: Perfect weekend project that requires basic baking skills, offering a fun, hands-on cooking adventure that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious scents.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for brunches, holiday mornings, or spontaneous sweet cravings, these rolls work beautifully for multiple occasions and always generate enthusiastic responses from guests.

What Makes Red Velvet Rolls Taste So Festive

• Warm Milk, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and activates yeast for soft, fluffy texture.
• Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, airy rolls.
• All-Purpose Flour: Structural base for the dough, ensuring proper texture.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.

• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep red velvet color and subtle chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the rolls.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates signature red velvet appearance.
• Melted Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the dough.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates sweet and spicy filling with warm aroma.
• Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and adds richness.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional addition for extra chocolate burst.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates smooth, tangy base for classic cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for perfect spreading.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Sweet Prep

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in warm milk.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it dance and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully frothy.

Add melted butter, a cracked egg, vanilla extract, and a splash of vibrant red food coloring.

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and exciting.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, luxurious dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead with love for 5-7 minutes.

The dough should become silky smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot.

Watch it grow and double in size over about an hour.

Step 4: Craft the Delicious Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients create a heavenly, fragrant spread.

Step 5: Roll Out the Deliciousness

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a generous rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for extra excitement if desired.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the longer side.

Slice the log into 12 perfect, mouth-watering rolls.

Step 7: Final Rise

Nestle the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Whip until the frosting reaches a dreamy consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Baking Tips

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which helps the dough rise perfectly and creates soft, fluffy rolls.
• Add extra red food coloring gradually to achieve a vibrant red velvet color without affecting the dough's texture or taste.
• Place the covered dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm spot to promote even and quick rising.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice rolls cleanly and maintain consistent sizes for even baking.
• Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautiful, smooth finish.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Storage

• Store leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. This method helps restore the rolls' soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
• Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, adding a small cup of water to the microwave to prevent dryness and maintain softness.

Sweet Sips With Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect Beverage Companion: Pair these rich red velvet cinnamon rolls with a smooth cold brew coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and complements the chocolate undertones.
• Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet moscato or port wine that echoes the rolls' decadent flavor profile, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances the cinnamon and cream cheese notes.
• Flavor-Boosting Sidekick: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy texture to contrast with the warm, spicy cinnamon rolls and create a delightful sensory explosion.
• Brunch Beverage Recommendation: Enjoy with a classic mimosa or sparkling rosé, which provides a light, effervescent counterpoint to the heavy, indulgent pastry.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Sweet Twists

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cow's milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create a dairy-free cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based milk, replace egg with flax egg, choose vegan butter, and create a cashew-based cream cheese frosting for a completely plant-based version.

FAQs

• Why use cocoa powder in red velvet cinnamon rolls?

Cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor and helps create the signature deep red color characteristic of red velvet desserts. It provides a rich, nuanced taste that enhances the overall sweetness of the rolls.

• Can I substitute the food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural red food coloring like beetroot powder or reduce the amount of food coloring. Some bakers even skip the coloring entirely, focusing on the delicious flavor of the rolls.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. When you gently press the dough, it should spring back slowly, indicating it’s been kneaded sufficiently and developed enough gluten.

• What's the secret to soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls?

The key is allowing proper rising time, using warm (not hot) milk for the yeast, and not over-flouring the dough. Gentle handling and avoiding adding too much flour during kneading will help maintain the rolls’ soft texture.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls bring Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries. Warm, swirled with rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls promise a delightful morning experience you’ll savor with pure breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup warm whole milk (110F/43C)
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 24 tablespoons milk (1.5 cups)

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Instructions

1. Craft the dough foundation by whisking warm milk with sugar, then sprinkle yeast and allow it to bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
2. Incorporate melted butter, egg, vanilla, and vibrant red food coloring into the activated yeast mixture, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
3. Separately combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the liquid ingredients to create a supple, cohesive dough.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured workspace and knead methodically for 6-8 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a silky, elastic texture.
5. Nestle the dough into a greased vessel, drape with a clean towel, and let it rise in a cozy environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
6. Prepare the filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth and well-combined.
7. After the dough’s initial rise, gently deflate and roll into a rectangular shape, spreading the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.
8. Scatter mini chocolate chips across the dough if desired, then tightly roll from the longer edge to create a compact log.
9. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls and arrange them in a generously greased baking dish.
10. Allow a second gentle rise for 25-35 minutes, permitting the rolls to expand and become pillowy.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake until the rolls transform into a rich, golden-brown hue, approximately 22-28 minutes.
12. While baking, whip cream cheese and butter until creamy, gradually introducing powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a luxurious frosting.
13. Once baked, let the rolls rest momentarily, then lavishly coat with the cream cheese frosting.
14. Serve warm, inviting everyone to savor these decadent red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Notes

• Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and compromising dough rise.
• Use cocoa powder sparingly to maintain vibrant red color while adding subtle chocolate undertones.
• Knead dough until windowpane test passes, indicating gluten development for soft, tender rolls.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a draft-free, warm spot to develop maximum flavor and texture.
• Substitute regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, adding xanthan gum for structure.
• Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for dairy-free alternative without sacrificing moisture.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for low-carb dietary needs.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create consistent dough texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg