Indulging in the bliss of freshly baked pastries is one of life’s greatest pleasures, isn’t it? There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of cinnamon and the vibrant hue of red velvet wafting through your kitchen. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just your average breakfast treat; they’re a celebration of flavor, hue, and texture that instantly elevate any ordinary morning. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or simply treating yourself on a relaxed weekend, these luscious rolls filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with creamy frosting are bound to become a treasured favorite.

Why you’ll love this dish

You might wonder why these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls should be on your baking list. For starters, they are the perfect amalgamation of two beloved treats: soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and the eye-catching allure of red velvet cake. What makes this recipe special is its vibrant color and delightful taste, which bring a festive twist to any occasion. Ready in just about 2 hours, it’s a relatively quick bake that impresses like a pro. They’re ideal for family brunches, special occasions, or a sweet surprise for your loved ones.

“These rolls were a hit at our family gathering! The flavor was fantastic and the color made them even more special. Will definitely make again!” – A happy home baker

The cooking process explained

Now that your taste buds are excited, let’s dive into how these decadent rolls come together. The process is straightforward and enjoyable, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. You’ll start by preparing your dough, allowing it to rise until it’s beautifully puffy. After that, rolling it out, filling with buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness, and cutting it into perfect rolls ensures a delightful end product. You can expect soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls baked to golden perfection and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting—heaven in every bite.

What you’ll need

Gather these items to create your scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) yeast
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
For frosting:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk

Feel free to swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or use almond milk if you’re looking for dairy-free options. Each adjustment can add a unique twist!

Step-by-step instructions

Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry blend lays the foundation for your dough.
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Ensure that the milk isn’t too hot to preserve the yeast’s potency.
Bring together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape the rolls: After rising, roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread it with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up tightly and slice into equal portions.
Second rise: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish. Allow them to rest for 30 minutes, giving them time to puff up further.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Make the frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Finish and serve: Once the rolls are done, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over them while warm for the best melting effect. Enjoy warm!

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to enjoying your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, the possibilities are endless! Serve them warm for breakfast with a side of fresh fruit and a steaming cup of coffee. They can also be a beautiful centerpiece for a holiday brunch, accompanied by sparkling juice or mimosas. For a cozy afternoon treat, gather around with friends and serve these tender rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and reheating tips

Wondering how to keep your leftover rolls fresh? To store, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to indulge again, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly:

Temperature matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, around 110°F. This temperature activates the yeast without killing it.
Kneading is key: Knead until your dough is smooth and elastic; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t skip the rise times: Allowing the dough to rise fully is crucial to achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Creative twists

Feel adventurous? Here are some ideas to customize your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for an indulgent twist.
Nutty Additions: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Fruity Flavor: Add a layer of thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries before rolling for a fruity buttercream experience.

Common questions

How long does it take to make these cinnamon rolls?
The total prep and baking time is about 2 hours, including rising times.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even a vanilla buttercream for a different flavor profile.

What if I can’t find red food coloring?
While traditional red velvet relies on food coloring, you can try beet juice for a natural color or omit it entirely for delicious cinnamon rolls without the vibrant hue.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not merely a treat; they are an experience that invites joy and comfort into every bite. From the soft, pillowy texture to the rich flavors and that amazing cream cheese frosting, you’re guaranteed to create a delightful memory for yourself and others. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls blend the flavors of soft cinnamon rolls and the vibrant allure of red velvet cake, topped with a creamy frosting, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 25

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

For the dough

2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free blend.
1/2 cup sugar
1 packet yeast (2 1/4 tsp) Ensure it is fresh.
1/2 cup milk, warmed About 110°F to activate yeast.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg Room temperature.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring Can substitute with beet juice.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the frosting

1/4 cup cream cheese Softened.
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Baking

Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll it up tightly and slice into equal portions, then place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
Allow rolls to rest for 30 minutes for a second rise.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.