If you are looking to delight your taste buds and impress everyone around with a heavenly treat, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the softest, fluffiest cinnamon rolls infused with that signature deep red hue and a subtle chocolate kick from cocoa powder, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect blend of classic comfort and festive charm that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a celebratory brunch, these rolls are guaranteed to brighten up your day and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from ensuring that tender dough texture to that gorgeous red color and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar filling that everyone loves.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): This creates the foundation of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cocoa and yeast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and activates the yeast.
- 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup water: Provide moisture and warmth for yeast activation, critical for tender rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the rolls a subtle chocolate depth and enhances the red velvet character.
- Red gel food coloring (about 1–2 teaspoons): This vibrant color injects that classic Red Velvet signature glow.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweet and moist, it makes the filling irresistibly gooey.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the filling’s chocolate notes.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The essence of cinnamon rolls, bold and warming.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Integral for a creamy and tangy frosting touch.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and balances the frosting perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aromatic depth to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness in the frosting.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 1/4 cups of flour with yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, warm the milk, water, and butter until almost hot but not boiling—aim for 110°F to 115°F—to activate the yeast gently. Add this warm mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the egg, cocoa powder, and that gorgeous red food coloring. Mix everything until well combined, then gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 6 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic—this step turns the mixture into the soft, pillowy base of your dessert.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. The magic here is patience. Leave it in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is what gives your rolls that light, airy texture that everyone dreams about.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, whip up the filling by combining brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. This blend is what gives the rolls their signature gooey, sweet, and spicy flavor that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has puffed nicely, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out gently on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon-chocolate filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly along the long edge. Cutting the log into 9 equal pieces ensures that everyone gets an equally generous serving of this deliciousness.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Place those lovely rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second proofing is crucial to achieve that perfect fluffiness. When ready, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake and cool slightly, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, blending until fluffy and luscious. Slather this frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt into all those sweet crevices.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your cinnamon rolls with a few white chocolate chips or a little extra cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting. This adds a lovely texture contrast and a pop of sweetness that elevates the whole experience.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or creamy chai tea for a cozy morning. If you’re serving brunch, balance the richness by adding some fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette on the side to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange your rolls in a circular pattern on a large serving dish, frost them in the center, and let your guests pull a piece from the middle outwards like a flower blooming. You might also drizzle a touch of melted white chocolate or a simple berry coulis over the top for a colorful and elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (though that rarely happens), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay delightfully soft and moist, perfect for snacking or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
To enjoy these rolls any time, freeze them before the second rise. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to bake them fresh, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. The flavor and texture hold up wonderfully.
Reheating
Reheat your cinnamon rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and softness, making leftovers feel brand new.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred because it gives a richer, more vibrant color without affecting the dough’s texture or adding extra liquid. If you use liquid food coloring, use slightly less of the liquid ingredients to compensate.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk and butter for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The dough may be slightly different in texture, but still delicious.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! You can mix and shape the dough, then refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before the second rise and baking to get the best results.
Why do the rolls need two rises?
The first rise develops the flavor and fluffiness of the dough, while the second rise after shaping ensures the rolls bake up soft and airy—not dense or heavy.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips in the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even some white chocolate chips into the filling adds a delightful crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that mixes classic comfort with a fun twist, the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a true winner that’s going to become a new favorite. The stunning color, the rich flavor, and that gooey topping all come together to create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — bake a batch for your next breakfast or celebration, and watch how quickly these rolls disappear from the plate!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with a classic cinnamon sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive brunches or a sweet breakfast treat, these homemade rolls are soft, tender, and visually stunning with their vibrant red hue.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red gel food coloring (about 1–2 teaspoons)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, warm the milk, water, and butter until it reaches 110°F–115°F. Add this warm mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg, cocoa powder, and red gel food coloring. Mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly from the long side, then cut the log into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake the next morning. Make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Optional: Add white chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence.
