Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring a festive twist to a classic favorite with their vibrant color and rich cinnamon filling. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2-4 tbsp milk (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Optionally fold in mini chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from one end to the other. Slice into individual rolls.
6. Step 6: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without thinning the dough.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese.
• If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar slightly.

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 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven until heated through, then refresh with frosting as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, after kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before proceeding with rolling and filling.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese frosting?

While cream cheese frosting complements the flavor wonderfully, you can also use a simple vanilla glaze or powdered sugar dusting if preferred.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 61 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a festive red velvet twist. Soft, tender dough enriched with red food coloring is layered with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and optional mini chocolate chips, then topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting for the perfect sweet treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 tbsp milk

---

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup warmed whole milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp red food coloring, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3. Combine and knead dough: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form a dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare filling and roll dough: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and ½ cup mini chocolate chips (if using). Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
5. Roll and slice: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the rolled dough into individual rolls, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them to allow rising.
6. Second rise and bake: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Prepare frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 to 4 tbsp milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
8. Frost and serve: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Use warm milk but not hot to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
• The red food coloring provides the signature red velvet color; use gel food coloring for more vibrant color with less liquid.
• Optional mini chocolate chips in the filling add extra sweetness and texture.
• Ensure the dough rises in a warm draft-free environment for best results.
• Frost the rolls while they are still warm to help the frosting melt slightly and seep into the rolls.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls