You’ll Love This Recipe
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning, indulgent treat that combine the soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls with the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a romantic breakfast, these rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious. The dough is infused with cocoa and red coloring, then filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture before being rolled, baked, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Every bite delivers warmth, sweetness, and that signature red velvet richness. They’re a show-stopping dessert or breakfast that’s surprisingly approachable to make, and they’ll quickly become a favorite for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.
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Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – A Decadent Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a red velvet twist, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and red food coloring. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- For glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.
- Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- Best served warm right out of the oven.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – The base for the soft and fluffy dough.
Cocoa powder – Infuses the rolls with subtle chocolate flavor, true to red velvet.
Red food coloring – Creates the vibrant red hue that makes these rolls stand out.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and become light and airy.
Warm milk – Activates the yeast and provides moisture.
Unsalted butter – Enriches both the dough and filling with buttery flavor.
Eggs – Bind the dough and add structure.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Brown sugar – Mixed with cinnamon for the gooey filling.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
Cream cheese – The base of the frosting, tangy and rich.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting.
Directions
Begin by blooming yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Once foamy, mix with eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, food coloring, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through. While baking, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 rolls. Preparation and rising time takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, baking requires 30 minutes, and frosting adds 10 minutes. Total time: around 3 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. These rolls also freeze well—freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate drizzle – Add melted white or dark chocolate on top for extra decadence.
Valentine’s Day special – Shape rolls into hearts before baking for a festive look.
Nutty filling – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer.
Double cream cheese frosting – Make extra frosting for an ultra-indulgent topping.
Holiday version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for seasonal flavor.
Mini rolls – Slice into smaller pieces and bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted dough.
Fruity twist – Add a swirl of raspberry jam inside for a red velvet and berry combo.
FAQs
What makes these cinnamon rolls “red velvet”?
The addition of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives them that classic red velvet flavor and appearance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before rolling and baking the next day.
Can I use cream cheese glaze instead of frosting?
Yes, a thinner glaze works beautifully if you prefer less richness.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Do not overbake and cover them tightly once cooled.
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes, it makes kneading much easier and ensures consistency.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, they’ll taste the same but won’t have the signature red color.
How do I know when the rolls are baked through?
The centers should be set, and the tops golden brown.
Conclusion
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls take a beloved classic and elevate it with the rich, chocolatey flavor and striking look of red velvet. With their gooey cinnamon filling, soft dough, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly decadent. Beautiful, flavorful, and unforgettable, this recipe is guaranteed to impress family, friends, and guests alike.