Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible!

If you love red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the perfect fusion of both! These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, creating a decadent treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, these homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls will impress your family and guests!

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Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

the Red Velvet Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened

the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
• Small saucepan (for warming milk)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
2. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.

2. Make the Red Velvet Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and remaining sugar.
2. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring.
3. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 8 minutes).
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
2. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

4. Shape & Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll out the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
2. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
3. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

5. Let the Rolls Rise Again

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are slightly golden.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.

8. Frost & Serve!

• Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Expert Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Use warm (not hot) milk – This helps activate the yeast properly.
Knead until elastic – This ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
Let them rise fully – Well-risen dough makes lighter rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the second rise – This helps the rolls become pillowy soft.
Overbaking – Bake until just set; overbaking dries them out.
Using too much flour – Measure carefully to keep the dough soft.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
• Top with white chocolate shavings or red sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat for 20 seconds to soften.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping.
• Thaw overnight, then bake fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for deeper flavor.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Make them extra gooey – Drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

What to Serve with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.
• A latte or cappuccino for a bakery-style pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough makes them extra special!

How do I make them even more red?

Add an extra ½ tablespoon of red food coloring for a deeper hue.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping twist on a classic, featuring rich cocoa flavors, a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether for a holiday brunch, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious homemade treats!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 380 kcal per roll (based on 12 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Serves: 12

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