Welcome to the world of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! If you’re looking for a delightful way to sweeten up your mornings, these rolls are the perfect solution. Their vibrant red color and sinfully sweet cream cheese frosting make them an eye-catching treat that no one can resist. Fun fact: Did you know that red velvet cake originally gained popularity in the 1920s? It has since evolved into a dessert that captivates taste buds and hearts alike. These cinnamon rolls take the classic dessert to a whole new level, combining the rich flavors of cocoa and cinnamon in a soft, fluffy dough. If you love our classic Cinnamon Roll Recipe, you’re in for a treat! Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this exciting new recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
So, what exactly are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? You might be asking yourself, “Is it a cake? Is it a roll? What kind of magic is this?” Well, here’s the scoop: these fabulous rolls consist of a soft dough infused with the signature red hue from food coloring and just a hint of cocoa powder. This delightful concoction is layered with a sweet, spiced cinnamon filling and then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties it all together. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Nothing like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll to win hearts! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up these scrumptiously fun treats!
Why You’ll Love This?
You’re probably wondering why you should make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls at home. Well, let me tell you about three key reasons that make this recipe irresistible! First, the main highlight of these rolls is their remarkable fusion of flavors. The combination of rich cocoa, fragrant cinnamon, and creamy frosting creates an explosion of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Second, making these rolls at home is a great way to save money and time while enjoying a delicious homemade breakfast. Instead of spending a fortune at bakeries, you can whip up a batch in under an hour and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your home.
Lastly, the addition of the cream cheese frosting brings everything together and adds a rich, velvety finish that’s simply out of this world. If you’re a fan of our classic Cream Cheese Filled Cinnamon Rolls, these red velvet beauties take it up a notch! So why not give them a try? Your family will be begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Quick Overview
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not only easy to make, but they also provide a delightful combination of taste and texture. With a preparation time of just about 20 minutes and baking time of 25–30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying warm rolls in no time! The recipe features a soft, sweet dough filled with cinnamon goodness that’s finished off with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
To get started, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth. Form it into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches) on a floured surface. Make sure it’s an even thickness for uniform rolls.
- Add the Filling: In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and remaining brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the rolled-out dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into equal portions (about 1 – 1.5 inches thick) and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top.
- Frost and Serve: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then generously top with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With
Pair these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk for a perfect breakfast experience. They can also be accompanied by fresh fruits, such as strawberries and bananas, to add a touch of brightness to your plate. For a special occasion, serve them alongside a decadent hot chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it gets too sticky, add a little extra flour while kneading.
- Timing Adjustments: Keep an eye on the rolls; baking times may vary by oven. They should be soft and slightly golden.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any leftovers, allow the rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unbaked rolls by wrapping them well and storing for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use different frostings? Yes! While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with vanilla icing or even a chocolate glaze.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg or applesauce in place of the egg.
- How do I achieve the best texture? Make sure to knead the dough just enough to form it but avoid over-kneading, which can lead to tougher rolls.
Conclusion
Now that you have the inside scoop on how to create scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to get baking! These delicious rolls are sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your sweet tooth. With their unique flavor and beautiful presentation, they are perfect for any occasion—from a cozy breakfast to a festive gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a delightful baking adventure. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Red food coloring
Filling
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese frosting For topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth. Form it into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches) on a floured surface.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and remaining brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the rolled-out dough.
- Step 5: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into equal portions (about 1 – 1.5 inches thick) and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top.
- Step 7: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then generously top with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!