There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. The soft, fluffy dough, the gooey cinnamon filling, and the sweet cream cheese frosting come together to create pure bliss. But what if we take that classic comfort food and give it a luxurious twist? Enter Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—a vibrant, decadent take on the traditional treat, blending the rich flavor of red velvet with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. These rolls are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because you deserve something extraordinary.
Making these might seem like a big task, but don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step. The process is easier than you think, and the reward? Totally worth it. Imagine serving these rolls with their striking red hue and luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a must-try for so many reasons. Let’s dive into why they’ll steal your heart (and your taste buds!):
Eye-Catching Appeal: The red velvet dough adds a festive, elegant touch that’s perfect for impressing guests.
Rich and Flavorful: The cocoa-infused dough brings a hint of chocolate to the rolls, making them a luxurious treat.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the perfectly risen dough, each bite is pillowy and tender.
Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, balancing the sweetness with its tangy, rich flavor.
Versatile: These rolls are great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midnight snack. They’re perfect for any time you need a little indulgence.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising and baking time)
Servings: Makes 12 rolls
Calories Per Roll: Approximately 330
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour (3 ¼ cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp): The leavening agent that makes the rolls rise beautifully.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2 tbsp): Gives the dough its subtle chocolatey undertone.
- Warm Milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): For a touch of flavor.
- Red Food Coloring (1-2 tbsp): Creates the iconic red velvet look.the Cinnamon Filling
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Makes the filling creamy and easy to spread.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tbsp): The star of the show, bringing warmth and spice.
the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates the rich, tangy base for the frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): For depth of flavor.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp): Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare the Dough
Start by gathering all your ingredients for the dough. Trust me, having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The mixture should be a vibrant red—add more food coloring if needed to achieve the desired hue. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to creating that soft, fluffy texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. This part is super simple and smells amazing! In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. Set it aside.
Assemble the Rolls
Now comes the fun part—rolling and shaping the dough into those iconic cinnamon rolls. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Take your time to get the shape right—it’ll make cutting the rolls easier. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures the filling stays in place when you roll the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, dental floss works great!) to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Second Rise
Before baking, the rolls need a second rise to become light and fluffy. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. They should puff up nicely.
Bake the Rolls
Now, it’s time to bake these beauties! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them—you don’t want them to overbake and dry out.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, whip up the cream cheese frosting. This is where the magic happens! In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost and Serve
The moment you’ve been waiting for—assembling the final masterpiece! Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly and seep into every nook and cranny—pure perfection. Serve immediately and enjoy the oohs and aahs from everyone at the table!
How to Serve Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are incredibly versatile, and you can serve them in a variety of ways. Enjoy them as is—they’re perfect on their own, straight out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite warm beverage like coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Dress them up with sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for special occasions. These cinnamon rolls also make a fantastic centerpiece for any brunch spread.
Tips for Success
Check your yeast to ensure it’s fresh and active. Let the dough rise fully in both stages for the fluffiest rolls. Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together more smoothly. Cut the dough evenly by using dental floss for clean slices without squishing. Spread frosting on the rolls while they’re still warm to allow it to melt into every crevice.
Recipe Variations
For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence. Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for a crunchy contrast.
Storing and Freezing
To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, bake and cool the rolls without frosting, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through before adding the frosting.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking. What if I don’t have red food coloring? You can skip it for a traditional cinnamon roll look, or use beet powder for a natural red hue. Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure to use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes.
Now it’s your turn to try these gorgeous Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Let me know how they turn out—snap a photo, share your thoughts, and tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on a classic treat. With a rich cocoa-flavored dough, cinnamon filling, and cream cheese frosting, these rolls are soft, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings.
Ingredients
- For the Dough: 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, ¾ cup warm milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1-2 tbsp red food coloring
- For the Filling: ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Frosting: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup softened butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Whisk together the dry ingredients for the dough. Mix the wet ingredients, then combine both until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, then roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for frosting. Spread on warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- To ensure vibrant color, use gel-based red food coloring.
- For softer rolls, do not overbake.
- Rolls can be refrigerated overnight before baking for a make-ahead option.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American