Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft, fluffy, and rich with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 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
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2–4 tbsp milk (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour to form a soft dough.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Roll out the dough into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips if using.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, adjusting the amount of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use mini chocolate chips in the filling to add a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite.
• For a more vibrant red color, increase the red food coloring slightly, but be careful not to alter the dough’s texture.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Let rolls rise longer for an extra fluffy texture, especially in cooler kitchen conditions.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Add frosting after reheating for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

What can I substitute for red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or powder to achieve a red hue, though the color may be less vibrant than with artificial food coloring.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

Deliciously soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls swirled with a spiced cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 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
• 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

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, then add any remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough.
3. Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together to create the filling. Optional: stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
5. Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: Roll the risen dough out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough surface.
6. Shape Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side, then cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
8. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• The mini chocolate chips in the filling are optional but add a delicious twist to traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast.
• Kneading the dough sufficiently is key to developing the gluten and achieving fluffy rolls.
• Allow the dough to rise properly for soft and airy rolls.
• Frost the rolls while still warm for easy spreading and better absorption.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast, Dessert, American Bakery, Sweet Rolls