There’s something magical about the combination of red velvet and cinnamon rolls. On their own, both are indulgent, comforting, and perfect for treating yourself (or your loved ones). But together? It’s a match made in dessert heaven. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, rich, and topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting you’ll ever taste. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or honestly, any time you’re craving something sweet and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a baking pro or just dipping your toes into homemade treats, this recipe is a guaranteed win. I’ll walk you through each step, from making the pillowy dough to slathering on that luscious frosting. Plus, I’ve included all the tips and tricks you need to bake these like a pro, even if it’s your first time making cinnamon rolls.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
First, let’s talk about the flavor. These rolls are the perfect blend of chocolatey red velvet richness and warm, spiced cinnamon goodness. Each bite is soft, gooey, and packed with sweetness. Then there’s the frosting: tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced to complement the rolls without overpowering them.
They’re also a total showstopper. The deep red color makes them ideal for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to impress someone special. And don’t let their gorgeous appearance fool you—they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Another reason to love these rolls? They’re versatile. Serve them warm for a cozy morning treat, or bake them the night before and reheat for a stress-free brunch. You can even prep and freeze them for later, so they’re ready whenever a craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): This activates the yeast and creates a tender dough. Aim for about 110°F—warm to the touch but not hot.
- Instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and keeps the rolls soft.
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
- Red food coloring (1 tbsp): The signature red velvet hue!
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of the dough. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): A little sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances the overall taste.
For the Filling:
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Creates a gooey, rich filling.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The warm, spicy heart of any cinnamon roll.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The tangy base of the frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and richness.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the frosting without making it heavy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp): Helps you adjust the consistency to your liking.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
To get started, combine your warm milk and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes, until it’s foamy. This is a good sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Next, stir in the melted butter, egg, red food coloring, sugar, and salt. Once combined, gradually add the flour, about one cup at a time. Mix until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Knead the dough for about five minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Making the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a paste. This mixture will melt into the dough as it bakes, creating those iconic cinnamon roll swirls.
Assembling the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, making sure to reach the edges for maximum flavor.
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice it into 9-12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffy.
Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven at this point!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, whip up the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out if needed.
Frosting and Serving
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread the frosting generously over the top. The warmth from the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, making it extra gooey and delicious. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate red velvet cinnamon roll experience!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Let the dough rise fully: Don’t rush the rising process—this is what gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese are much easier to mix and spread.
- Don’t skimp on the filling: The cinnamon-sugar mixture is what makes these rolls irresistible. Spread it all the way to the edges!
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Every oven is different, so check the rolls a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve
There are endless ways to enjoy these rolls! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make a stunning addition to any holiday brunch spread.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop a roll in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the rolls (before or after baking) and reheat as needed. Just be sure to frost them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a double dose of decadence.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the filling for a subtle heat.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are everything you could want in a baked treat—soft, gooey, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. I can’t wait to see your creations—be sure to share your photos and let me know how they turned out!
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Comfort
- Total Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a rich, velvety dough, a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or special occasions!
Ingredients
- Dough: Warm milk, instant yeast, unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, flour, granulated sugar, salt
- Filling: Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon
- Frosting: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk.
- Mix wet ingredients and gradually add dry ingredients to form the dough. Knead and let rise.
- Prepare the filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into a log, and slice into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased dish, let rise, and bake.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting and spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
- To make ahead, refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American