If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your kitchen, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the magic ticket. Each roll bursts with that classic cinnamon warmth wrapped in the luscious, vivid red velvet dough, making every bite a decadent experience. Rich cream cheese frosting crowns these beauties, blending perfectly with the spiced cocoa filling. Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a special treat, these rolls invite you to indulge in comfort and elegance all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting the soft, colorful, and flavorful dough, as well as the decadent filling and frosting that make these rolls unforgettable.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates the perfect dough texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Gives the dough a light, fluffy rise.
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F): Activates the yeast, ensuring a tender dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moistness to the dough.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Creates that signature velvety red hue.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the flavor with subtle cocoa notes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Provides the creamy base for the cinnamon filling.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a rich, molasses sweetness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a chocolaty dimension to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The soul of the filling’s warm, spicy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a hint of earthy warmth.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for the smooth, tangy frosting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- 2-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. This ensures your yeast is evenly distributed and ready to activate when combined with the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, the beaten egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. Make sure the milk is just right at 110-115°F to activate your yeast properly without killing it.
Step 3: Combine to Form Dough
Slowly add your wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. This is where the magic begins, bringing together the vivid red color and rich flavors.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic. This step builds the structure needed for those soft, fluffy rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl, turn it to coat, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This creates the light, airy texture inside.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl until a smooth, spreadable paste forms. This filling is the heart of the cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border on one long side. Then, roll it up tightly from the opposite edge, creating a log ready to slice.
Step 8: Cut and Second Rise
Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and inviting.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color on top, signaling that gooey softness waiting inside.
Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls cool slightly, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, and finally milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 11: Frost and Enjoy
Generously spread your creamy frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into every nook and cranny. Serve immediately for the best sweet, spiced comfort experience imaginable.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe even more irresistible, sprinkle some freshly grated white chocolate or crushed pecans on top of the frosting for a wonderful textural contrast and elegant look.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a simple fruit salad or freshly brewed coffee. The brightness of fruit balances the rich rolls, while the coffee perfectly complements the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your rolls as individual portions wrapped in parchment paper with a twine bow for a charming gift idea, or present them on a tiered cake stand for a festive brunch centerpiece guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the filling moist and the frosting fresh without drying out the rolls.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise by tightly wrapping the pan in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed; they’ll taste freshly made and delicious.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Then, refresh the frosting with a light spread of cream cheese if needed for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, but natural cocoa powder is more acidic and may alter the rise and color slightly. Using unsweetened cocoa powder, which is alkalized, keeps the color vibrant and the texture perfect.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can try beet juice or beet powder as a natural alternative, but the color and flavor might be different. For the signature bright red look, food coloring works best.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, these rolls can be adapted. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but still delicious!
Why is the milk temperature important?
Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it well. Keeping it between 110-115°F ensures a perfect rise and soft dough every time.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Greasing your baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray is key. You can also use parchment paper for an easier cleanup and to maintain the shape of the rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls, and this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe adds that show-stopping twist everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or just because, these rolls bring warmth, color, and comfort to any table. Don’t hesitate — dive in and create your own batch of fluffy, spiced, sensational treats that will have friends and family asking for seconds.
