Homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch Recipe

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a decadent red velvet twist send taste buds on a delightful culinary adventure.

These homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls blend rich cocoa and vibrant crimson hues into a classic breakfast treat.

Soft, pillowy dough swirled with smooth cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible morning indulgence.

Each roll promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that melt in your mouth.

The deep red color transforms ordinary pastry into a stunning breakfast centerpiece.

Delicate layers of dough and cinnamon filling ensure every bite delivers pure comfort and joy.

Bake these stunning rolls and watch them become an instant family favorite.

Cinnamon Roll Variations with Red Velvet

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bread flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for structure. Use gluten-free cocoa powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace egg with flax egg, butter with vegan butter, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in filling. Use sugar-free cocoa powder and reduce powdered sugar in frosting, replacing with stevia or erythritol.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, replace cream with coconut cream. Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative for frosting.

Serving Red Velvet Rolls for Brunch

• Sweet Breakfast Companions: Pair these red velvet cinnamon rolls with fresh berries or sliced strawberries for a bright, tangy contrast to the rich rolls.
• Morning Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a warm cappuccino or smooth latte, letting the cinnamon and cocoa notes complement the coffee's robust flavor.
• Decadent Dessert Transformation: Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting over rolls and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an elevated after-dinner treat.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging rolls on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and powdered sugar dusting for elegant presentation.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls for Later

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Keep frosted rolls at room temperature for 1-2 days, covering them loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel to preserve freshness.
• Prepare rolls up to the shaping stage, then place on a baking sheet and freeze. Transfer frozen rolls to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before final rise and baking.

FAQs

• What is tangzhong and why is it used in this recipe?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour and water mixture that helps create a softer, more tender dough by pre-gelatinizing the starches, which allows the dough to retain more moisture during baking.

• Can I substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour?

No, bread flour has a higher protein content that provides the necessary structure and elasticity for these cinnamon rolls. Using all-purpose flour will result in a less fluffy texture.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is well-kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test – a small piece can be stretched thin enough to see light through without tearing.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch: Standout Features

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Red velvet cinnamon rolls elevate your baking game with a stunning twist on classic comfort food, combining rich chocolate flavor and vibrant red color.
• Master Complex Baking Techniques: This recipe introduces advanced skills like tangzhong method and precise dough handling, perfect for bakers wanting to expand their culinary expertise.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These rolls deliver irresistible combination of soft, tender texture and decadent cream cheese frosting that will wow family and friends at brunches, gatherings, or special occasions.
• Personalize with Ease: Simple ingredient swaps and creative decorating options allow you to customize these rolls to match your taste preferences or festive themes like holiday celebrations.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• Bread Flour: The primary structural component that provides strength and texture to the red velvet cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and fermentation of the dough.
• Cocoa Powder: Contributes to the signature red velvet flavor and deep color.
• Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating a light, airy texture.

• Milk, Cream: Provide moisture and richness to the dough.
• Egg: Adds structure, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the rolls.
• Vinegar: Helps activate the food coloring and adds subtle tanginess.
• Food Coloring: Creates the distinctive red velvet color.

• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender texture in both dough and filling.
• Softened Butter: Makes the dough smooth and elastic during kneading.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the roll's interior.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy base for the topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
• Water: Used in creating the tangzhong base for improved dough texture.

Baking Steps for Homemade Red Velvet Rolls

Step 1: Create Tangzhong Mixture

Grab a small saucepan and whisk flour and water together.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture transforms into a smooth, pudding-like paste.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Prepare Liquid Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend milk, cream, and vinegar.

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Develop Dough Base

In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt.

Pour in the milk mixture, egg, vanilla, cooled tangzhong, and food coloring.

Knead with the dough hook for a few minutes until a rough dough forms.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

Add softened butter gradually, allowing each portion to fully integrate before adding the next.

Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

Step 5: Allow First Resting Period

Shape the dough into a perfect ball, place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Craft Delicious Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla

Mix until the filling becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Shape Spectacular Rolls

Roll the dough into a large rectangle.

Spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Slice into twelve strips and roll each strip away from you.

Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined baking pan.

Step 8: Conduct Second Rising

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot until they double in size, typically 1-2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 325°F during the final stage of rising.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls for 28-35 minutes.

Check that the center rolls reach an internal temperature between 175°F and 180°F.

Step 10: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until well combined.

Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.

Stir in vanilla and cream for extra smoothness.

Step 11: Final Touches

Allow rolls to cool for 15 minutes.

Generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls.

Wait an additional 15 minutes before serving these decadent treats.

Pro Tips for Fluffy Red Velvet Rolls

• Use precise whisking to create a smooth, lump-free base that ensures soft, pillowy texture in your rolls.
• Add vinegar to milk mixture to help activate yeast and create tender, light dough with deeper red color.
• Gradually incorporate butter to develop gluten structure, resulting in rich, stretchy dough that won't tear easily.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red hue without altering dough consistency or flavor.
• Let rolls rise in warm, draft-free spot to help yeast activate perfectly and achieve maximum volume.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratc Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls bring Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries, blending rich cocoa and cream cheese frosting. Warm, swirled delights promise a luxurious morning treat that melts hearts with each decadent bite you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 3.23 cups bread flour
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 0.5–1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cool room temperature

Tangzhong Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3/4 cup water

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky tangzhong by whisking flour and water in a small saucepan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, paste-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely.
2. Create a liquid blend by mixing milk, cream, and vinegar in a separate container. Set aside for later use.
3. In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt. Pour in milk mixture, egg, vanilla, tangzhong, and food coloring. Knead with dough hook for 2 minutes until a rough dough emerges.
4. Gradually introduce softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Form dough into a perfect sphere, place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
6. Prepare filling by blending butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla until achieving a uniform, creamy texture.
7. Roll dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Evenly distribute filling across surface. Slice into twelve 1¾-inch strips, rolling each away from you. Arrange rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan.
8. Cover rolls with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm environment until they double in size, approximately 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 325°F during final stages of rising.
9. Bake for 28-35 minutes, ensuring center rolls reach an internal temperature between 175°F-180°F.
10. Whip cream cheese and butter until well combined. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until achieving a fluffy consistency. Blend in vanilla and cream.
11. Allow rolls to cool for 15 minutes, generously spread with prepared frosting, and let sit an additional 15 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Use bread flour for stronger gluten development, ensuring a softer, more tender texture in your rolls.
• Add red food coloring gradually to achieve desired vibrant red color without altering taste.
• Keep tangzhong at room temperature while preparing other ingredients to maintain consistent dough temperature.
• Softened butter should be cool but pliable, incorporated slowly to prevent dough separation.
• Check dough’s elasticity by performing windowpane test – stretch small piece until thin and translucent without tearing.
• Proof rolls in draft-free, warm environment like slightly warmed oven for consistent rising.
• Allow cream cheese frosting to come to room temperature for smoother, easier spreading.
• For gluten-free option, substitute bread flour with cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg