Dreamy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Magic

My weekend baking ritual just discovered a magical red velvet cinnamon rolls twist that promises pure comfort.

Sweet aromas will drift through kitchens, teasing everyone’s senses with rich chocolate undertones.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for deep crimson swirls and warm spices.

Delicate cream cheese frosting promises to complement each tender bite perfectly.

Home bakers can easily master this decadent pastry with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Unexpected flavor combinations make these rolls a delightful surprise for lazy weekend mornings.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Tips for Red Velvet Rolls That Stay Tender

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to prevent killing the yeast, creating a frothy and active base for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Knead for Texture: Spend extra time kneading the dough to develop gluten, resulting in a tender, stretchy texture that makes these rolls irresistibly light.
• Control Food Coloring: Add food coloring gradually to achieve a deep red hue without affecting the dough's consistency or flavor balance.
• Proof in Warm Spot: Place dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor compounds.
• Frost While Warm: Apply cream cheese frosting when rolls are slightly warm, allowing it to melt slightly and create a luscious, creamy coating that seeps into every delicious crevice.

Save Rolls and Reheat Tips

• Store leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rolls can last up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain softness. This method helps restore the rolls' original texture and warmth.
• Gently reheat a single roll for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the rolls tough or rubbery. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture if desired.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls That Are Soft and Gorgeous

• Craft these red velvet cinnamon rolls with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress without stress.
• Experiment with filling variations like chocolate chips or different extracts, making each batch uniquely yours and keeping baking exciting.
• Transform ordinary mornings into spectacular gatherings with these stunning rolls that combine classic comfort and vibrant red velvet elegance.
• Minimal hands-on preparation meets maximum flavor, delivering a delightful treat that requires just over two hours from start to delicious finish.

What You’ll Need for Fluffy Red Velvet Dough

• Flour: The foundation of the dough, provides structure and texture for the rolls.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep red color to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating soft, fluffy texture.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Provide richness, help bind ingredients, and contribute to soft texture.

• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, comforting background flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the filling.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature red velvet color to the dough.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender dough.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency for easy spreading.

Roll and Bake Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Like a Pro

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Powerhouse

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine warm milk, yeast, and a splash of sugar. Let the mixture sit and get bubbly for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Magic

• Remaining sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter
• Red food coloring

Whisk everything into a vibrant, smooth blend.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredient Wonders

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough emerges.

Step 4: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: First Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Craft the Filling Fusion

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cocoa powder

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough Canvas

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 8: Spread Filling Excitement

Evenly distribute the filling across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Tightly roll the dough from the filled long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls and nestle them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 10: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn light golden.

Step 12: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla
• Milk

Blend until luxuriously creamy.

Step 13: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy immediately!

Drinks That Go with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Deep, bold espresso cuts through the sweetness of the red velvet rolls, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
• A cold, creamy vanilla bean milkshake complements the warm cinnamon rolls, offering a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
• Intensify the cocoa notes in the rolls by serving a luxurious dark chocolate hot cocoa, which echoes the subtle chocolate undertones and provides a cozy, comforting beverage pairing.
• A tart, refreshing raspberry sorbet serves as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the cream cheese frosting and adding a bright, fruity dimension to the dessert.

Creative Variants for Cinnamon Roll

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring a similar texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for frosting to create a completely plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk instead of regular milk, coconut cream cheese for frosting, and plant-based butter to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls deliver a delightful twist on classic breakfast pastries. Luxurious cocoa-infused dough swirls with creamy cream cheese frosting, promising a sweet morning celebration that will enchant dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (440 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 12 teaspoons red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (150 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a portion of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for about 7-10 minutes.
2. Whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and red food coloring into the activated yeast mixture until thoroughly combined.
3. Create a separate mixture of flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a cohesive, soft dough.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness. The dough should feel supple and spring back when pressed.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a draft-free environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape approximately 16 inches long.
7. Blend softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder to create a rich, aromatic filling.
8. Spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small margin on one long edge to ensure clean rolling.
9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the fully coated edge, then slice into 12 equal portions.
10. Arrange the rolled segments in a greased baking dish, allowing them slight space to expand during the second proofing.
11. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy and interconnected.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, monitoring their golden color and ensuring complete cooking.
13. While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
14. Once baked, generously spread the creamy frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create an irresistible glaze.

Notes

• Choose full-fat milk for richer, more tender dough texture that helps create softer rolls.
• Ensure yeast mixture is warm (not hot) to prevent killing active yeast cultures, which could prevent proper rising.
• Add extra cocoa powder for deeper red velvet color and more intense chocolate undertones.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to increase nutritional value and create a slightly denser texture.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant red color without changing dough consistency.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting and ensure smooth cream cheese coverage.
• Make dairy-free version by replacing milk with almond milk and using vegan butter alternatives.
• Chill rolls overnight in refrigerator for slower, more controlled fermentation and enhanced flavor development.
• Create gluten-free option by using cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg