If you’re searching for a showstopper breakfast treat or a dazzling addition to your brunch spread, look no further than these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe transforms a classic favorite by infusing soft, pillowy dough with a gorgeous cocoa-kissed red hue, layering in warmly spiced cinnamon-sugar, and crowning everything with a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze. Each bite is playfully decadent yet familiar, guaranteed to spark smiles and requests for seconds—especially when you serve them warm from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the magic of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls happens with a handful of simple ingredients. Each one is crucial—bringing not only classic cinnamon roll comfort, but also the distinctive flavors, textures, and signature bold color that make these rolls unforgettable.
- Active dry yeast: The foundation for fluffy, airy dough—make sure it’s fresh so your rolls rise to perfection.
- Warm milk: Gently activates the yeast for a tender crumb; whole milk adds extra richness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast during rising.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in the dough for flavor and softness, and softened for the filling to create that gooey swirl.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Egg: Binds the dough, adding richness and extra softness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, keeping the rolls delicate but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Cocoa powder: Gives the dough its signature hint of chocolate and deepens the red color.
- Red food coloring: Essential for that iconic, vibrant red velvet appearance—add until you’re happy with the color!
- Brown sugar: For the filling, lends a caramelly depth and gooey texture when melted.
- Cinnamon: Fragrant and warm, the heart of every cinnamon roll.
- Cream cheese: The star of the glaze, bringing tangy luxury and balancing the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without making it grainy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds classic depth and warmth to the glaze.
- Milk: Just enough to smooth the glaze—add a splash at a time for perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk with a sprinkle of sugar—this wakes it up and gets it bubbling within about five minutes. Once it’s nice and foamy, whisk in melted butter, egg, salt, cocoa, and a splash of red food coloring. Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for five to seven minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour. The anticipation builds as your kitchen fills with yeasty, chocolaty aromas!
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has puffed up beautifully, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a big rectangle. This step is pure fun—spread a generous layer of softened butter all over, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. The cocoa and red color peek through the sugar, making each swirl extra stunning when baked.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Gently roll the filled dough into a tight log, keeping those glorious layers intact. Slice into 12 even pieces (a serrated knife makes quick work of this), and nestle them into a greased baking dish. Cover them gently and let them rise again for about 30 minutes—they’ll puff up, getting irresistibly soft and plump.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as the rolls rise. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re set and lightly golden. It’s hard not to hover by the oven as the sweet, spicy, and faintly chocolaty scent fills the air—just wait, you’re almost there!
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls cool slightly, whip up your cream cheese glaze: beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk until it’s velvety smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny. Grab a fork, and treat yourself to that first gooey, sweet, tangy bite!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with red or white sprinkles—especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. A few fresh raspberries or a scattering of mini chocolate chips enhance the red velvet theme. Even a dusting of extra cinnamon or cocoa powder adds elegant contrast against the creamy glaze.
Side Dishes
These rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with lightly sweetened whipped cream, crisp bacon, or a bowl of fresh mixed berries adds both balance and contrast. For a real brunch feast, serve with hot coffee or a pitcher of fresh orange juice—their brightness cuts through the rich, sweet rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls the centerpiece of a breakfast board alongside fruit, nuts, and yogurt parfaits. Or, arrange them in a heart shape before the second rise for a special occasion. Individual rolls can be boxed with a bow as heartfelt edible gifts that are just as delightful to give as to receive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (lucky you!), store them covered at room temperature for one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cream cheese glaze means it’s best to keep them chilled for longer storage.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these rolls—either before glazing or after. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic and place inside a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or give them a quick zap in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For oven-warm, gooey rolls anytime, reheat gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or pop them into a low oven (300°F) until just heated through. If the glaze looks a little firm, cover the rolls loosely with foil to trap steam and keep them extra soft.
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the second rise, cover your rolls tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature as your oven preheats, then bake as directed for a fresh, warm treat in the morning.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
No worries—your rolls will lack that classic red hue but will still taste delicious with the cocoa-cinnamon swirl. For a natural alternative, try beet powder; just note the color might be less vibrant.
How do I get perfectly even rolls?
Roll your dough tightly and use a ruler or unflavored dental floss for slicing. This helps create neat, uniform portions worthy of any bakery window.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully, so you can make two pans at once. Just ensure your mixer and bowl are large enough, or work in two batches for best results.
Do Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls taste very different from regular cinnamon rolls?
Yes! They offer a subtle chocolate edge from the cocoa and a delightful tang from the cream cheese glaze, setting them apart from classic cinnamon rolls but maintaining all the gooey, sweet, and spicy goodness you love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from scratch—mixing, rolling, and glazing them fills your kitchen (and your heart) with warmth and excitement. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to treat yourself, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy with your favorite people!