Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any special occasion! These rolls combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon filling. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast or just want to elevate your weekend brunch, these cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed showstopper!
What’s great about these rolls is that they can be prepped the night before, making your mornings easier and stress free. The dough is incredibly soft, thanks to a long, slow rise, and the flavors are perfectly balanced between cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla. Serve these warm, fresh from the oven, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and creamy goodness.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Red Velvet Dough:
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon red gel food dye
- 4 ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon milk
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough: Heat the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it in until the butter pieces are pea sized.
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Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough starts to form.
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Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes until it is smooth and bright red.
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Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
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Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
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Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log. Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 equal rolls.
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Second Rise & Bake: Place the rolls in a greased 9×14 inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 20 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pour the heavy cream around the rolls in the pan. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Make the Icing: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, then mix until creamy.
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Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into the layers. Serve warm!
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Resting Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 519 kcal | Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – A Decadent Twist on a Classic Treat
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: the rich, slightly chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake and the gooey, spiced sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls. This indulgent treat is a showstopper, making it ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or weekend brunches when you want to impress your family and friends.
The deep red color of the dough adds a visual appeal that makes these cinnamon rolls stand out from traditional ones. The cocoa powder gives the dough a subtle chocolatey note that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon filling. And, of course, no red velvet treat is complete without a tangy, luscious cream cheese icing that melts into the swirls, creating the perfect bite.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
1. A Unique Flavor Experience
Red velvet is known for its distinct taste mildly chocolatey with a slight tang, often enhanced by buttermilk. When incorporated into cinnamon rolls, this flavor profile is elevated by the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. The result is a rich, decadent roll that feels even more luxurious than your traditional cinnamon roll.
2. Soft, Fluffy, and Gooey Texture
One of the best things about these cinnamon rolls is their texture. The dough is made using yeast, which ensures the rolls rise beautifully, creating a light and airy texture. The addition of heavy cream before baking helps keep them extra moist, ensuring a gooey, melt in your mouth experience.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just delicious they’re visually stunning! Their vibrant red color makes them perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or even a romantic breakfast in bed surprise. Whether you’re serving them to guests or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit.
4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
These cinnamon rolls can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. You can refrigerate the assembled rolls overnight and bake them fresh the next morning. They can also be frozen after baking, allowing you to enjoy a homemade cinnamon roll anytime you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
What Makes These Rolls Different from Traditional Cinnamon Rolls?
While classic cinnamon rolls rely on a soft, slightly sweet dough as their base, red velvet cinnamon rolls add a subtle cocoa flavor and a striking red hue. The dough is slightly richer, thanks to the addition of butter and eggs, creating an ultra soft and pillowy texture.
Another key difference is the icing. Traditional cinnamon rolls often have a vanilla glaze or powdered sugar icing, but red velvet cinnamon rolls are best complemented with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. The contrast between the deep red dough and the creamy white frosting creates a visually appealing and flavor packed dessert.
Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
1. Use High-Quality Red Gel Food Coloring
To achieve the signature deep red color, it’s important to use a high quality gel food coloring rather than liquid food dye. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, meaning you need less of it to get a vibrant hue. Americolor Super Red or Wilton Red Gel work well without altering the taste of the dough.
2. Make Sure Your Yeast is Active
Since these cinnamon rolls rely on yeast for their soft, fluffy texture, it’s crucial to check that your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast doesn’t foam after being mixed with warm milk, it may be expired, and your dough won’t rise properly.
3. Let the Dough Rise Properly
Patience is key when making yeast dough. The dough should double in size during the first rise, which typically takes about an hour. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise faster.
4. Roll the Dough Evenly
When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking. If the dough is too thick, the rolls may be doughy in the center; if it’s too thin, they may dry out. A good thickness is about ¼ inch.
5. Don’t Skip the Heavy Cream Trick
A secret to ultra gooey cinnamon rolls is pouring heavy cream around the rolls before baking. This helps create a rich, caramel like sauce at the bottom of the rolls while keeping them soft and moist.
6. Spread the Icing While the Rolls are Warm
For the best results, spread the cream cheese frosting over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm. This allows the icing to slightly melt into the rolls, filling every crevice with creamy, tangy sweetness.
Variations to Try
While Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are already an exciting twist on the classic, there are plenty of ways to customize them further:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra layer of decadence by drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the cream cheese frosting.
- Nuts for Texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough for added crunch.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: For an even more chocolatey version, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling.
- Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls: Add a surprise filling by spreading a layer of sweetened cream cheese inside the rolls before rolling them up.
Serving Suggestions
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, warm and gooey. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate breakfast or dessert experience.
For special occasions, serve them with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra fancy touch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and turn them into a decadent dessert.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. If reheating a whole tray, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain their softness and keeps the icing from drying out.
You can also freeze baked cinnamon rolls for up to a month. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Conclusion:
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are an irresistible twist on a classic favorite, combining the best of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls into one indulgent treat. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with rich cocoa and cinnamon flavors, all topped with a creamy, tangy icing that ties everything together.
Whether you’re making them for a special holiday, a romantic breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet and unique, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite. With make ahead options and freezer friendly storage, they’re not only delicious but also practical.
If you love baking and want to try something different yet comforting, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a must try. Their gorgeous color, incredible texture, and decadent taste will leave everyone asking for seconds!