Easy Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to Swoon Over

Soft, pillowy red velvet cinnamon rolls dance with decadent charm on breakfast tables everywhere.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, promising pure morning bliss.

Crimson-hued dough swirls around warm spices, creating a pastry that looks as magnificent as it tastes.

Classic comfort meets modern elegance in these irresistible treats.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful recipe with confidence.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth.

Let’s whip up something spectacular that will make everyone at the table smile.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Bakery-Style Indulgence

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps that even novice cooks can follow confidently without feeling overwhelmed.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the luxurious twist of red velvet, making it a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, brunches, or special celebrations.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Minimal preparation required, with straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated technique, allowing you to create a bakery-worthy dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe lets you add mini chocolate chips or adjust frosting consistency, giving you the freedom to personalize these indulgent rolls to your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Flour: The primary foundation for creating a soft and tender dough base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and texture.
• Yeast: Provides essential rising action for the dough.
• Baking Powder: Ensures additional lift and lightness in the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Warm Milk: Creates moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Melted Butter, Egg: Contribute richness and binding properties to the dough.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature red velvet color.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.

• Softened Butter, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Combine to create a classic, warm cinnamon roll filling.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient for added texture and sweetness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Form the creamy base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Help create a smooth, spreadable frosting with balanced sweetness.

Bake Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

This creates a perfect base for your delightful rolls.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.

Pour this vibrant mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually incorporate remaining flour to form a soft, smooth dough.

Step 3: Develop Dough Structure

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes.

The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when touched.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix these ingredients until they form a delectable, spreadable mixture.

Step 5: Roll and Shape Masterpiece

After the dough has risen, roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the surface.

Optional: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 6: Prepare for Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing them to become puffy and irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

While rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

Mix until you achieve a luxurious, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Final Frosting Flourish

Once rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

The result?

A mouthwatering treat that combines the richness of red velvet with the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls.

Red Velvet Roll Baker’s Best Tips

• Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for alternative dietary needs without compromising the texture.
• Reduce red food coloring for a softer hue or use natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier coloring option.
• Ensure warm, draft-free environment for dough rising by placing it in a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water underneath.
• Experiment with different chip varieties like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch for unique flavor combinations.
• Adjust cream cheese frosting consistency by adding milk gradually and tasting to achieve perfect sweetness and spreadability.

Fun Filling Ideas for Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soft texture and rich red velvet flavor.
• Vegan Version: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and use vegan cream cheese for frosting to create a plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Lover's Option: Add cocoa powder to the dough for extra chocolate intensity, swap mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks, and incorporate chocolate drizzle on top of the cream cheese frosting.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce brown sugar in filling, and create a lighter cream cheese frosting with Greek yogurt and a minimal amount of powdered sugar.

Serve Rolls Warm with Cream Cheese Icing

• Breakfast Bliss Pairing: Serve these red velvet cinnamon rolls alongside a steaming cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate for a luxurious morning treat.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange the rolls on a beautiful wooden board, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cocoa powder to create an Instagram-worthy dessert spread.
• Indulgent Dessert Twist: Transform these rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top for an extra layer of richness.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece by placing the rolls on a decorative platter, surrounded by fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Store Cinnamon Rolls for Freshness

• Seal cooled rolls in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without frosting to maintain best quality.
• Thaw frozen rolls at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 300F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and retain moisture.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent dryness and restore softness.

FAQs

• What gives these cinnamon rolls their red velvet color?

The red food coloring added to the dough creates the signature vibrant red color, mimicking the classic red velvet cake appearance while maintaining the traditional cinnamon roll texture.

• Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a wooden spoon and working the dough on a floured surface. The key is to knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

• How do I know when the dough has risen correctly?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back, indicating it’s properly risen and ready to be shaped.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red velvet cinnamon rolls elevate breakfast with Southern charm and luxurious cocoa-infused pastry. Rich cream cheese frosting crowns these indulgent rolls, promising pure morning bliss you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast

Filling Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2–4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Warm milk to approximately 110°F, then blend with melted butter, egg, vibrant red food coloring, and vanilla extract in a separate container, creating a uniform liquid mixture.
3. Integrate wet ingredients into dry components, stirring carefully until a cohesive dough begins to form, gradually incorporating remaining flour to achieve a soft, pliable texture.
4. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 6-7 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a draft-free environment for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
6. Cream together softened butter, rich brown sugar, and fragrant ground cinnamon to create a luxurious filling mixture.
7. Roll expanded dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12×18 inches, spreading cinnamon mixture evenly across surface and optionally sprinkling mini chocolate chips.
8. Tightly roll dough into a compact log, then slice into 12 uniform portions using a sharp knife.
9. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing additional proofing time of 30 minutes to enhance volume.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F, baking rolls for 25-30 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
11. Simultaneously prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until silky, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to desired consistency.
12. Once rolls have slightly cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across surface, creating an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap red food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier, chemical-free version of these rolls.
• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping to have fresh cinnamon rolls anytime by thawing and proofing before baking.
• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which could prevent the dough from rising properly.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to create a more consistent and smoother dough texture.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg