Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning and indulgent twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with the signature red velvet flavor, complete with a hint of cocoa and a velvety texture. The rich, buttery cinnamon filling combined with a sweet cream cheese glaze takes these rolls to the next level of decadence.

I first made these when I wanted to treat my family to something extra special for the holidays, and they were an instant favorite. The kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma of cinnamon and chocolate, and the rolls looked as gorgeous as they tasted. These rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a special brunch, or a sweet treat for guests.

What’s great about these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is how indulgent yet comforting they are. The combination of the tender, cocoa-flavored dough with the sweet, tangy cream cheese glaze is truly a match made in heaven. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, these rolls are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Holiday breakfast or brunch
• Special occasions like Valentine’s Day
• Weekend indulgence
• Dessert tables
• Cinnamon roll lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite treat:

• Vibrant Red Velvet Flavor: These cinnamon rolls bring the beloved red velvet cake flavor into the world of breakfast pastries, making them both unique and delicious.
• Soft and Fluffy: The dough is soft, pillowy, and tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Rich Cinnamon Filling: The cinnamon filling is warm, buttery, and packed with flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the dough.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: The cream cheese glaze drizzled on top adds a tangy, sweet contrast to the rich cinnamon filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are ideal for sharing at family gatherings or gifting to friends, making them a great treat for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including dough rising time)
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1-1.5 hours (for dough)
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional for deeper color)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Velvet Cake Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring creates the distinct red velvet flavor and color that makes these cinnamon rolls special.
• Butter in Dough and Filling: The butter adds richness to both the dough and the filling, ensuring a tender texture and a flavorful filling.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: A classic cream cheese glaze adds tang and sweetness, bringing balance to the richness of the rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and red food coloring (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

5. Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Shape and Bake the Rolls:

6. Roll out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
7. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
8. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, making sure to keep it tight and even as you roll.
9. Slice into Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
10. Place the Rolls in a Pan: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are touching each other. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
11. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

12. Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk, a little at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Serve the Rolls:

13. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the rolls have finished baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a versatile treat that can be served in many different ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: These rolls make a decadent addition to any breakfast or brunch table, especially for holidays or special occasions.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cinnamon rolls as a sweet dessert after dinner, with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
• For Gifting: Package them in a festive box or tin and give them as a sweet homemade gift.
• At a Party: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a great addition to any dessert spread, perfect for holiday gatherings or celebrations.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly:

• Use Warm Milk: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Let the dough rise properly to ensure the rolls are light and fluffy.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or even white chocolate chips to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the rolls are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the rolls. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to be removed from the oven.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

• Coconut Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Add shredded coconut to the cinnamon filling for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling for extra sweetness.
• Pecan Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling for a nutty crunch.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Mix cream cheese into the filling for a tangy, creamy swirl throughout.
• Caramel Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cinnamon rolls before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Maple Glaze: Instead of a cream cheese glaze, use a maple glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Nutella Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon filling for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Bites: Cut the dough into smaller pieces and bake them as individual bite-sized rolls.
• Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Cake: Roll the dough into a log and bake it as a single, large cinnamon roll cake, then drizzle with glaze.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Freezing: To freeze the rolls, assemble and rise them as directed, then freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some tools that will make preparing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls easier:

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook will help knead the dough quickly and easily.
• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: A sharp knife or dental floss is essential for slicing the dough into even rolls.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for holding the rolls while they bake.
• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for spreading the melted butter evenly over the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the filling and baking.
2. Can I use a different color for the dough?
   Yes, you can skip the red food coloring if you prefer, but the rolls won’t have the classic red velvet color.
3. Can I freeze the baked rolls?
   Yes, baked rolls can be frozen as well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
4. Can I make these rolls without cream cheese?
   Yes, you can make a simple vanilla glaze or a maple glaze if you prefer not to use cream cheese.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of rich flavor, soft texture, and indulgent sweetness. The beautiful red velvet flavor paired with the buttery cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze makes them an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast, a special brunch, or as a dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it ideal for everything from family mornings to festive gatherings. The warm, gooey center and velvety finish will have everyone asking for seconds. These cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any occasion.

I’d love to see how this recipe turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!