Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you're a fan of indulgent baked goods, you're in for a real treat. Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a stunning twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the velvety richness of red velvet cake with the gooey, cinnamon-laced spirals we all know and love. These rolls are topped with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully into the warm, soft dough. 

They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and they’re guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or just a cozy weekend, these red velvet cinnamon rolls will bring warmth and indulgence to your kitchen.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons why this red velvet cinnamon rolls recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:

• Beautiful and impressive: The red hue is visually stunning and adds a special touch for holidays or events.

• Fluffy and soft: These rolls rise beautifully and have a tender, pillowy texture.

• Rich and indulgent: Cocoa in the dough adds depth, while the cinnamon-sugar filling creates the classic gooey center.

• Cream cheese frosting: Sweet, tangy, and utterly divine—this frosting takes the rolls over the top.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

• Versatile: Add-ins and toppings can be easily customized.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ?

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need for both the rolls and the frosting:

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

🧁 How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – In Detail ?

Follow this step-by-step guide to make your red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch:

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cocoa powder into the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Begin adding flour one cup at a time, mixing well. Add the salt with the flour. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl to form the filling.

Step 6: Roll It Out

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough using a spatula or your fingers.

Step 8: Roll and Slice

Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until the centers are cooked through and the tops are lightly browned.

Step 11: Make the Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately for best results!

🍓 Variations

There are several fun and delicious ways to personalize your red velvet cinnamon rolls:

• Chocolate chip filling: Add mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar for a gooey chocolate surprise in every bite.

• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for a crunchy contrast.

• Different frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a vanilla glaze or even a white chocolate drizzle.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

• Stuffed rolls: Add a dollop of mascarpone, Nutella, or raspberry jam before rolling for a hidden center.

🍽️ Cooking Notes

For perfect results, remember these cooking tips:

• Yeast: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. Too hot, and it could kill it.

• Kneading: Kneading helps build the gluten that gives your dough structure. Don’t skip this step!

• First rise: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with the light on or on top of a warm appliance.

• Doneness test: Tap the top of the rolls; if they sound hollow and spring back, they’re ready.

• Frosting: Frost the rolls while they’re still warm so the frosting melts and creates a luscious glaze.

🥄 Serving Suggestions

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are best served warm and freshly frosted. Here are a few perfect pairings:

• Brunch spread: Include fresh berries, scrambled eggs, and coffee for a well-rounded brunch.

• Special occasions: Serve them as a sweet ending to a Valentine’s dinner or festive holiday meal.

• With drinks: A latte, cappuccino, or even a mimosa complements the rich flavor beautifully.

🧠 Helpful Tips

To make your red velvet cinnamon rolls flawless every time:

• Use quality ingredients: Especially for the cocoa powder and vanilla—this affects flavor depth.

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can ooze out and make the dough hard to roll.

• Chill the dough: For easier slicing, chill the rolled-up dough for 10 minutes before cutting.

• Use dental floss: Slide unflavored floss under the roll and pull to cut cleanly—no squishing!

• Make ahead: Prepare the night before and refrigerate the unbaked rolls. Let them come to room temp before baking.

💡 Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To get bakery-style red velvet cinnamon rolls:

• Let the dough rise fully both times—rushed rising means dense rolls.

• Don’t skip the cocoa powder—it balances the sweetness and gives red velvet its signature flavor.

• Warm the frosting slightly to drizzle or spread it more easily.

• Always frost warm rolls for ultimate melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

• Store extras in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.

⏰ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Information (per roll, approx.)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 5g

• Sodium: 240mg

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Sugar: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

❓ FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, you can substitute one-for-one. Skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls, then thaw and frost when ready to serve.

Can I make them overnight?
Yes! Prepare through the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Do I have to use food coloring?
No. The color is for aesthetics—without it, you’ll have delicious cocoa cinnamon rolls.

🏁 Conclusion

Red velvet cinnamon rolls combine elegance, indulgence, and comfort in every bite. With their deep red hue, chocolate-kissed dough, sweet cinnamon center, and rich cream cheese frosting, they’re a bakery-worthy treat that you can master at home. 

Whether you're baking for a holiday, a loved one, or just treating yourself, these rolls are the perfect way to elevate your baking game and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. 

Make them once, and they’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.