Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

These delectable red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing promise a delightful twist on classic breakfast pastries.

Soft, pillowy dough swirls with rich cocoa and hints of crimson charm every baker’s heart.

Decadent layers melt together, creating a sensational morning treat that feels like pure indulgence.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with their irresistible warmth.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch, transforming ordinary rolls into something extraordinary.

Baking these rolls becomes an experience of love and culinary creativity.

You’ll want to savor each heavenly bite and share this remarkable recipe with those closest to you.

Cinnamon Roll Variations for Red Velvet Fans

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
• Dairy-Free Friendly Version: Use coconut cream cheese, plant-based butter, and almond milk for the icing to create a lactose-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free cream cheese for a diabetic-friendly version.

Serving Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee

• Festive Brunch Centerpiece: Make these red velvet cinnamon rolls the star of your weekend breakfast spread, impressing family and friends with their stunning red color and decadent cream cheese topping.
• Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent morning treat that warms both body and soul.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve these rolls as a unique dessert after dinner, cutting them into smaller portions for a delightful sweet ending to any meal.
• Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas morning, these festive rolls add a touch of color and excitement to special holiday gatherings.

Keeping Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Soft and Fluffy

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to restore crispy edges.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a small cup of water alongside to keep rolls soft and prevent becoming rubbery.

FAQs

• What makes red velvet cinnamon rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls feature cocoa powder and red food coloring, giving them a distinctive deep red color and subtle chocolate flavor that sets them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.

• How do I know if my yeast is active and working correctly?

The yeast is active when it becomes frothy and bubbly after 5 minutes in warm milk. If it doesn’t foam or look active, your yeast might be old or the milk temperature was incorrect.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling and filling.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing: A Must-Try

• Bake with Bold Flavor: Transform classic cinnamon rolls into a stunning red velvet version that delivers rich, decadent taste with a vibrant crimson color that makes every bite exciting.
• Impress Without Stress: Create professional-looking pastries without complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to wow family and friends with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the warm, nostalgic appeal of cinnamon rolls with the luxurious twist of red velvet, making it ideal for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or special weekend treats.
• Simple Step-by-Step Process: Follows straightforward instructions that break down complex baking into manageable stages, ensuring success for home bakers who want delicious homemade goodness.

Everything for Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Icing

• Flour: The main structural component that provides the base for the soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor and contributes to the signature red velvet color.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the classic deep red hue characteristic of red velvet baked goods.

• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Sugar, Butter, Eggs: Provide sweetness, richness, and help bind the dough together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a warm, sweet, and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, Milk: Combine to make a smooth, creamy icing that complements the rolls.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Baking Directions

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

This process helps wake up the yeast and prepare it for creating a fluffy dough.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Sugar
• Melted butter
• Whole egg
• Extra egg yolk
• Activated yeast mixture

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until the dough doubles in size.

Step 3: Whip Up Cinnamon Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until ingredients are completely combined and create a smooth, spreadable mixture.

Step 4: Shape The Rolls

Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface.

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log.

Slice the log into 1½ to 2-inch sections.

Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Craft Cream Cheese Icing

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter

Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Gradually incorporate milk to achieve desired icing consistency.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Drizzle cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent red velvet treat.

Pro Tips for Soft, Swirled Red Velvet Rolls

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to help yeast activate without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
• Adjust red food coloring amount for deeper or lighter red velvet shade without compromising dough consistency.
• Use minimal flour when kneading to maintain soft, tender rolls and prevent dry texture.
• Place dough in warm, draft-free area like inside an unheated oven with a pan of warm water to help consistent rising.
• Use unwaxed dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls evenly without squishing delicate dough.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls dance with rich cream cheese icing, bringing Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries. Warm spices and luxurious cocoa swirl together, promising a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure bliss.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk (110°F) for 5 minutes until foamy and fragrant. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, whole egg, and extra egg yolk, then incorporate the activated yeast mixture.
2. Create the dough by gradually mixing in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring until a soft, vibrant crimson dough forms. Knead thoroughly on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until the volume doubles.
4. Prepare the filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until completely uniform.
5. Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small margin around the edges.
6. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log. Slice into 1½ to 2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring slight separation between each piece. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they develop a golden-brown top and appear slightly puffy.
9. While cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting consistency with milk.
10. Once slightly cooled, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

• Activate yeast carefully by using lukewarm milk, ensuring it’s not too hot to kill the active cultures.
• Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep red velvet flavor that complements the cinnamon notes.
• Try dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version of these indulgent rolls.
• Control rising time and temperature by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to achieve optimal texture and volume.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 154 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg