red velvet rolls – recipesshubb

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet and cinnamon rolls—two classics in one. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly chocolatey with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, Valentine’s Day breakfast, Christmas morning, or any special occasion where you want something show-stopping but still homemade.

This recipe yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth rolls with a delicate balance of cinnamon, cocoa, and the iconic red velvet flavor. Plus, the cream cheese glaze adds the perfect sweet tang that elevates these rolls from ordinary to unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and pillowy texture thanks to enriched yeast dough
Fun, festive red color with a mild cocoa flavor
Classic cinnamon swirl inside each roll
Cream cheese frosting for that iconic red velvet finish
Perfect for special occasions or brunch

They’re a crowd-pleaser and an impressive bake, but surprisingly easy to make with a little planning.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons red food coloring

For the Cinnamon Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.

Add the egg, melted butter, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16 x 12 inches.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

Step 4: Form the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.

Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them.

Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Thin with milk if needed to achieve a drizzleable consistency.

Spread or drizzle over the warm rolls.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Warm milk for yeast activation: Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Food coloring: Gel-based red food coloring gives the brightest color without changing dough texture.
Even filling layer: Don’t overfill, or rolls may leak during baking.
Do not overbake: Red velvet rolls should be soft, not dry or crunchy.
Serve warm: For best flavor, enjoy rolls within 24 hours, reheating lightly if needed.

Variations

Chocolate Red Velvet: Add ¼ cup cocoa to the dough for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling before rolling.
Mini Rolls: Make bite-sized rolls for parties or brunch buffets.
Frosting Flavors: Try a cream cheese glaze with orange zest or espresso powder for a twist.

Storage

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store frosted rolls for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a festive breakfast.
Pair with fresh berries or a light fruit salad for balance.
Top with extra frosting and a sprinkle of red or white sugar pearls for a holiday touch.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the elegance of red velvet. They’re soft, indulgent, and topped with creamy, tangy frosting that melts into every bite. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or holiday celebrations, these rolls are both impressive and approachable for home bakers.