Red velvet cinnamon rolls
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing together the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake with the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar…
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Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing together the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake with the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar swirls. These rolls have a soft, tender texture with a beautiful red hue that makes them as fun to look at as they are to eat. The cream cheese glaze on top adds a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness and spice inside.
I love making these rolls for special mornings because they feel like a treat but are surprisingly easy to whip up. The red velvet flavor gives a little unexpected pop that makes everyone pause and smile when they take their first bite. I often find myself sneaking a piece straight from the pan before they even cool down—and trust me, that glaze is worth savoring right away!
These cinnamon rolls are fantastic served fresh and warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I like to share them with family or friends during holiday mornings or weekend brunches to add a touch of celebration to simple moments. They’re a cozy and colorful way to make any day feel special, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for soft, tender rolls. Bread flour can be used if you want a bit chewier texture, but it’s not necessary here. Dust your surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise nicely. If you’re using instant yeast, reduce the amount slightly and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Cocoa Powder & Red Food Coloring: These give red velvet its classic color and slight chocolate flavor. If you want to avoid artificial colors, natural red beet powder can be a subtle alternative, though it will change the shade.
Filling: Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon make the classic cinnamon roll filling. You can add chopped nuts or even mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese Icing: The cream cheese adds a tangy, creamy finish that balances the sweetness of the rolls. If dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese and butter alternative, and swap milk for a plant-based option.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Dough for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
The dough is the heart of the recipe and getting it soft and fluffy takes some key steps:
- Bloom the Yeast: Warm milk (not hot) activates the yeast. Let it sit until foamy to ensure it’s alive and ready to work.
- Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. This develops gluten, giving structure and chewiness.
- Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size. This fermentation helps with flavor and texture.
- Second Rise: After shaping the rolls, let them rise a second time. This step allows them to become pillowy soft before baking.
Patience is key—don’t rush the rises! You’ll notice the difference when your rolls come out light and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mixing and proofing the dough comfortably.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – makes kneading easier and saves your hands.
- Rolling pin – helps roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for filling.
- Sharp knife or dental floss – great for cutting the rolled dough into even slices without squishing.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – holds the rolls close together for soft sides and nice shape.
- Small whisk or electric mixer – to quickly mix smooth cream cheese icing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling for bursts of melty chocolate in each bite.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall to bring a warm, seasonal twist.
- Top the rolls with a drizzle of white chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese icing for extra sweetness.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 20 minutes preparing and kneading the dough, then let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours. Rolling and filling the dough takes another 15 minutes, followed by a second rise of 30-45 minutes. Baking takes 25-30 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time before icing. All in all, plan for around 3 hours to make these delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Kneading and Rising:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
3. Making the Filling and Shaping the Rolls:
Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Punch down the dough, roll it out to a 16×12 inch rectangle, and spread the cinnamon filling evenly over it. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long side to form a log.
4. Cutting and Second Rising:
Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and allow to rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
5. Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before icing.
6. Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing:
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to get a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Spread or drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
7. Serving:
Optionally, sprinkle some red velvet cake crumbs or coarse sugar on top for a pretty finish. Serve warm and enjoy your soft, rich red velvet cinnamon rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and allow the rolls to rise again before baking.
What Can I Substitute for Red Food Coloring?
If you prefer to avoid artificial colors, you can try using natural alternatives like beet juice or powder. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the color and flavor, so add gradually and adjust as needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked softness.
Can I Make the Dough Using a Stand Mixer?
Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and faster. Mix on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
