Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With a rich cocoa flavor, vibrant red color, and a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for consistency in frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
7. Step 7: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
8. Step 8: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
9. Step 9: Roll the dough tightly from one end and slice into 12 even rolls.
10. Step 10: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Step 11: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Step 12: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Step 13: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to make the frosting.
14. Step 14: Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense red color, add an extra ½ tablespoon of red food coloring.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise properly.
• Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore their soft texture.

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 let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and proceeding with the recipe.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or powder, but keep in mind the color may be less vibrant. Alternatively, omit the coloring for a subtle cocoa cinnamon roll.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft cocoa-infused dough, a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat, these rolls combine classic comfort with a vibrant twist.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Filling Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
3. Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well mixed.
7. Roll Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
8. Apply Filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough surface.
9. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one end and slice into 12 even rolls.
10. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
14. Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
• For more intense red color, add an extra ½ tablespoon of red food coloring.
• Kneading is key to develop gluten for soft, fluffy rolls.
• If you prefer a sweeter dough, increase granulated sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.
• Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet, breakfast pastries, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls