Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Treat
If you love red velvet cake and gooey cinnamon rolls, why not combine them into one irresistible treat? These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich cocoa flavors, a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls bring a festive and indulgent twist to the classic cinnamon roll, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
✔ Super Soft & Fluffy – The buttery red velvet dough melts in your mouth.
✔ Rich Cocoa & Cinnamon Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet and spiced goodness.
✔ Gooey & Irresistible – Each bite is filled with cinnamon-sugar and melty cream cheese glaze.
✔ Perfect for Holidays & Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or weekend brunch.
✔ Easier Than You Think! – No complicated techniques—just mix, roll, and bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
3. Roll & Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a buttered baking dish.
4. Let the Rolls Rise Again
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
7. Glaze & Serve!
- Drizzle the warm rolls with the cream cheese glaze.
- Serve immediately and enjoy these gooey, red velvet cinnamon delights!
Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
✔ With Coffee or Hot Chocolate – A cozy pairing!
✔ For Brunch or Holidays – Perfect for Christmas morning or Valentine’s Day.
✔ With Extra Glaze – Because more cream cheese frosting is always better!
✔ Topped with Chopped Pecans or Chocolate Chips – For an extra indulgent touch.
✔ Warm & Fresh – Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
🔹 Use Instant Yeast for Faster Rising – No need to proof separately!
🔹 Let the Dough Fully Rise – This keeps the rolls soft and fluffy.
🔹 Roll Dough Evenly – Helps ensure the perfect texture and consistency.
🔹 Use Room Temperature Butter for the Filling – Spreads easily and evenly.
🔹 For Extra Richness – Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips inside!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15 seconds before serving.
Can I Freeze Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! Bake the rolls and freeze without glaze. Thaw, warm, and glaze before serving.
Can I Make These Without Food Coloring?
Absolutely! Just omit the red food coloring for a chocolate cinnamon roll variation.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Cinnamon Roll Recipe!
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, gooey, and loaded with chocolatey cinnamon flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or just because—they’re always a hit!
Try them today and enjoy a new level of cinnamon roll indulgence! 🍫🍰