Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two decadent favorites: rich red velvet cake and soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. Perfect for a holiday breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are as stunning as they are delicious.

Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
• Whisk
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Parchment paper

Ingredients Overview

Dough

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for a soft yet sturdy dough.
• Cocoa Powder: A touch of cocoa gives the rolls their signature red velvet flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides the iconic deep red color.
• Yeast: For a fluffy, pillowy rise.
• Milk and Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.

Filling

• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Create the sweet, spiced swirl.
• Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy topping essential for cinnamon rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the glaze.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, red food coloring, cocoa powder, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

5. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Roll and Assemble

6. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

Bake

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

10. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.

Glaze and Serve

11. Spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
• Cutting the Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean slices.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a festive mimosa, or a glass of milk. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing and arrange them in the dish. Thaw, let rise, and bake as directed.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Of course! They’ll taste just as delicious but won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm, drizzled with plenty of cream cheese glaze. Add fresh berries on the side for an extra festive touch. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a decadent dessert!

### Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These **Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls** are the ultimate fusion of two decadent favorites: rich red velvet cake and soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. Perfect for a holiday breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are as stunning as they are delicious. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• - Baking dish (9x13 inches recommended)
• Whisk
• - Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Small saucepan
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

• ### Ingredients Overview
• #### Dough
• - **Flour**: All-purpose flour is the base for a soft yet sturdy dough.
• - **Cocoa Powder**: A touch of cocoa gives the rolls their signature red velvet flavor.
• - **Red Food Coloring**: Provides the iconic deep red color.
• - **Yeast**: For a fluffy pillowy rise.
• - **Milk and Butter**: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• #### Filling
• - **Brown Sugar & Cinnamon**: Create the sweet spiced swirl.
• - **Butter**: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough.
• #### Cream Cheese Glaze
• - **Cream Cheese**: The creamy tangy topping essential for cinnamon rolls.
• - **Powdered Sugar**: Sweetens the glaze.
• - **Vanilla Extract**: Adds flavor depth to the glaze.
• ### Ingredients
• #### For the Dough
• - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• - 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 3/4 cup warm milk 110°F
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• - 1 large egg room temperature
• - 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Instructions

 

• ### Step-by-Step Instructions
• #### Make the Dough
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
• Add melted butter, egg, red food coloring, cocoa powder, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• #### Prepare the Filling
• Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• #### Roll and Assemble
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
• Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
• #### Bake
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
• #### Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
• Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
• #### Glaze and Serve
• Spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.
• ### Recipe Tips
• - **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
• - **Cutting the Rolls**: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean slices.
• - **Make Ahead**: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
• ### What to Serve With This Recipe
• Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a festive mimosa, or a glass of milk. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat.
• ### Frequently Asked Questions
• **Can I freeze the rolls?**
• Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing and arrange them in the dish. Thaw, let rise, and bake as directed.
• **Can I skip the food coloring?**
• Of course! They’ll taste just as delicious but won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.
• **How do I store leftovers?**
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• ### Serving Suggestions
• Serve these **Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls** warm, drizzled with plenty of cream cheese glaze. Add fresh berries on the side for an extra festive touch. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a decadent dessert!