Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with a vibrant, festive red velvet twist. These soft, tender rolls topped with creamy frosting make a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2–4 tbsp milk (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
5. Step 5: Roll out the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. If using, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, adjusting the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
9. Step 9: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, use whole milk or add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the dough.
• Mini chocolate chips add a delightful surprise but can be omitted for a more classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the dough.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting too much.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Add additional frosting if desired after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and do the first rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking.

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough instead of red velvet?

You can, but red food coloring and cocoa powder are what give these rolls their signature red velvet flavor and color. Using regular dough will result in classic cinnamon rolls without the red velvet taste.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 90 reviews

Delight in these soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls featuring a vibrant red dough swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a festive breakfast or a special dessert, these rolls combine classic flavors with a stunning twist.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
6. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. If using, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
7. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish with some space to allow for rising.
8. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
10. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Mix in vanilla extract.
11. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, flavorful treat.

Notes

• Use warm milk to activate the yeast effectively but avoid overheating as it can kill the yeast.
• If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• Mini chocolate chips in the filling are optional but add a delicious melty texture.
• For a festive touch, use gel food coloring to achieve a more vibrant red color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Red Velvet, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast Rolls, American Dessert