This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust.

Craving a sweet treat that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious? Look no further! This Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the captivating flavor and color of red velvet. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply to brighten up your day, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a pretty dessert. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:

Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color makes these rolls a showstopper.
Incredibly Soft: The dough is perfectly tender and fluffy.
Creamy Dreamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the red velvet perfectly.
Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these rolls are surprisingly simple to bake.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for brunches, parties, or gifting to friends and family.
Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon is a match made in heaven.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, gooey, and satisfying, these rolls are the perfect indulgence.

Plus, they are simple enough to make even for a novice baker, so what are you waiting for?

Ingredients Needed for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls. Precise measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Dough:

Warm milk: 1/2 cup (120ml), warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C) – use whole milk for best results.
Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) – ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – provides sweetness and activates the yeast.
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted – adds richness and tenderness.
Large egg: 1 – binds the dough and adds structure.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – enhances the overall flavor.
Red food coloring: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red.
All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (312g), plus more for dusting – provides the structure of the dough.
Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) – helps to create a lighter texture.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened – creates a rich and flavorful filling.
Packed brown sugar: 1 cup (200g) – adds a molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons (12g) – contributes to the red velvet flavor.
Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon (8g) – adds warmth and spice.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened – provides the tangy base for the frosting.
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57g), softened – adds creaminess and richness.
Powdered sugar: 2 cups (240g) – sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) – adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – enhances the overall flavor.

For the best results, ensure all ingredients are fresh and of high quality. Sourcing your ingredients from local farmers’ markets or specialty stores can elevate the flavor even further.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Dollywood Cinnamon Bread – A taste of the famous theme park treat at home.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking these red velvet cinnamon rolls a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need.

Large bowl: For mixing the dough ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
Mixing bowls: For the filling and frosting.
Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and frosting.
Rolling pin: To roll out the dough into a rectangle.
9×13 inch baking dish: For baking the cinnamon rolls.
Electric mixer: For creaming the frosting ingredients. A stand mixer or hand mixer will work well.

Irresistible red velvet cinnamon rolls, ready to enjoy.

A pastry scraper can be helpful for cutting the rolls neatly, but a sharp knife will also do the trick.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Medium

This recipe is perfect for a weekend baking project. Scale up for a larger gathering or halve the recipe for a smaller batch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these detailed steps to create delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls that will impress everyone.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This step is crucial for light and fluffy rolls.

Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Assemble the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long side. This helps to seal the rolls properly.
Starting from the opposite long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Second Rise and Bake

Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up. This ensures that the rolls are light and airy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Let the baked rolls cool slightly before frosting. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls.
Serve the red velvet cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies – A delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll in cookie form.

Tips for Success with Your Cinnamon Rolls

Baking perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls is achievable with these expert tips:

Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is at the right temperature (110-115°F) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in dry rolls.
Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.
Filling Distribution: Spread the filling evenly over the dough to ensure each roll is packed with flavor.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the rolls while they’re baking. They should be golden brown and cooked through, but not overbaked.

Close-up of a gooey, swirled red velvet cinnamon roll.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize these red velvet cinnamon rolls to suit your preferences:

Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence.
Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch.
Different Frosting: Try a vanilla buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese to make these rolls vegan.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Elevate your red velvet cinnamon rolls experience with these serving suggestions and pairings:

Coffee: Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a classic brunch combination.
Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of tea, such as chai or Earl Grey.
Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

These rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, special occasions, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Health Benefits

While these red velvet cinnamon rolls are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

Calcium: From the milk and cream cheese, which is essential for bone health.
Protein: From the egg and dairy ingredients, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
Fiber: From the flour, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

Enjoying these rolls in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. They provide energy and can be a comforting addition to your day.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your red velvet cinnamon rolls:

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and frosting.

Make sure to cool the rolls completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used, but the texture may vary.

How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Ensure you don’t overbake the rolls. Bake until golden brown, and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a layer of cream cheese filling can be added for extra flavor.

Can I freeze the frosted rolls?

Yes, but the frosting may change texture slightly. Wrap the frosted rolls individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can omit the food coloring, but the rolls will not have the signature red velvet color. You can also use beet juice for a natural red color.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 5g

Exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

If you’re craving more sweet treats, check out these other delightful recipes:

Cinnamon Roll Blondies – A delicious combination of cinnamon rolls and blondies in one irresistible dessert.
Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls – The perfect fusion of two classic desserts.
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bakes – A healthy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls and the captivating allure of red velvet. With their stunning appearance, soft texture, and creamy frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe