Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with a vibrant twist of red velvet flavor. These soft, sweet rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or dessert and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, red food coloring, and eggs until combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and instant yeast.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Step 6: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
7. Step 7: Spread butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
9. Step 9: Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover again, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
11. Step 11: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth to create the glaze.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven.
13. Step 13: Serve the rolls warm with extra glaze if desired and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer dough, substitute half the whole milk with buttermilk or sour cream.
• Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment helps ensure a fluffy texture.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without adding extra liquid.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through, then add more glaze if desired.

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 slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and assembling the rolls.

Can I omit the food coloring?

Absolutely! The rolls will have a subtle cocoa color and taste delicious without the red hue if you prefer to skip the food coloring.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

Delight in these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—a perfect blend of classic cinnamon rolls with a rich red velvet twist. Soft, tender dough infused with cocoa and vibrant red food coloring, generously brushed with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat any time of day.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)

Glaze

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the rolls don’t stick during baking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, red food coloring, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and instant yeast to distribute them evenly.
4. Make the Dough: Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1 hour.
6. Prepare Rolling Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough.
8. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer edge to form a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
9. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
10. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes, letting them puff up nicely.
11. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden on top.
12. Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
13. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze generously on top. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.
• For an extra indulgent twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling.
• If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a splash more heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, cream cheese glaze, breakfast pastries, homemade cinnamon rolls