Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgent breakfast or dessert, combining the rich cocoa flavor and vibrant color of red velvet with the warm, comforting swirl of cinnamon filling. These soft, fluffy rolls topped with creamy frosting are perfect for special mornings or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are irresistibly soft, rich, and perfectly sweet. The dough is easy to work with, making it great for beginners, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish. They’re family-friendly, visually stunning, and perfect for holidays, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly and sprinkle chocolate chips if using.
- Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter, then adding sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Spread frosting over slightly cooled Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls and serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast properly.
- For deeper flavor, add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the dough.
- Chill dough slightly before slicing for cleaner rolls.
- Swap chocolate chips with chopped nuts for added texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for a slight tang.
- Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or special treats.
Nutrition (Approximate per roll)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the flavor stays the same without the color.
What makes these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls unique?
They combine cocoa flavor with cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Storage
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Similar Recipes
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Soft & Fluffy Treat
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 –4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk
Notes
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to frosting for a slight tang.
- These rolls are perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day or festive brunches.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, rich, and beautifully indulgent. With their fluffy texture and creamy frosting, they’re a perfect homemade treat for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.