Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – A Decadent, Irresistible Treat!
If you’re a fan of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, why not combine them into one decadent, soft, and gooey masterpiece? These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect mix of rich cocoa flavor, warm cinnamon swirls, and velvety cream cheese icing.
Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or a show-stopping dessert, these rolls are a dreamy indulgence that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft, Fluffy Dough – Made with buttermilk and cocoa, these rolls are tender and rich.
✔ Cinnamon Sugar Filling – A classic sweet-spiced swirl with a touch of red velvet flavor.
✔ Cream Cheese Frosting – Smooth, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or weekend treats.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm buttermilk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm buttermilk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled in size).
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fluffy.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before drizzling with extra frosting.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, soft deliciousness!
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them soft again.
Ways to Customize
✅ Add Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside for a double-chocolate twist.
✅ Make It Extra Gooey – Brush melted butter over the rolls before baking.
✅ Drizzle with White Chocolate – A fancy finishing touch for special occasions.
✅ Swap the Frosting – Use a mascarpone glaze for a lighter alternative.
Why These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and completely irresistible. The rich cocoa dough, warm cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting create a luxurious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Make a batch today and enjoy this indulgent twist on a classic favorite!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or a show-stopping dessert, these rolls are a dreamy indulgence that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm buttermilk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm buttermilk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled in size).
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fluffy.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before drizzling with extra frosting.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, soft deliciousness!
Notes
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them soft again.