Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the decadent, velvety richness of red velvet cake with the irresistible comfort of a classic cinnamon roll. These rolls bring together a tender, fluffy dough, swirls of gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and a hint of cocoa, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Each bite offers a perfect blend of sweetness, chocolatey richness, and that comforting, cinnamony warmth.

I first made Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls when I wanted a show-stopping brunch treat that felt both special and indulgent. Red velvet adds a unique twist to a classic cinnamon roll, creating a beautiful visual contrast and a delightful depth of flavor. The combination of cocoa and cinnamon elevates the rolls to a new level of decadence, making each bite feel like a little piece of luxury.

What I love about these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility. You can top them with sprinkles for a festive touch, drizzle extra cream cheese frosting for that decadent finish, or add chocolate chips into the filling for a burst of gooey chocolate goodness. Perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply as a decadent dessert, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning, mouth-watering treat that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Perfect for:

  • Weekend brunch
  • Holiday mornings
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Special celebrations
  • Lovers of red velvet desserts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will become your go-to indulgence:

  • Unique Twist on a Classic: A beautiful combination of red velvet flavor and traditional cinnamon roll goodness.
  • Eye-Catching Color: The vibrant red hue makes these rolls visually stunning and appetizing.
  • Gooey and Decadent Filling: The cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling offers a delightful gooey texture.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Glaze: The tangy glaze perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls.
  • Soft and Fluffy Dough: The red velvet dough is tender, soft, and incredibly fluffy.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Elevates brunches, birthdays, or holiday breakfasts effortlessly.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare rolls in advance and bake fresh when ready to serve.
  • Customizable Filling: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra cinnamon for a personalized touch.
  • Impress Your Guests: A visually striking and delicious treat that wows at brunches and gatherings.
  • Red Velvet Lovers’ Dream: A perfect fusion of red velvet aesthetics and taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
  • Preparation Time: 1 hour
  • Resting Time: 1.5 hours
  • Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 rolls
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

The Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Extra powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Red velvet cake crumbs

Ingredient Highlights

  • Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature red velvet color and visual appeal.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives the glaze a tangy, decadent finish that complements the rolls.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic flavor to the filling.
  • Butter in Dough and Filling: Ensures rich, tender rolls with a gooey texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Red Velvet Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Add flour, salt, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture.
  3. Knead Dough: Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

  1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until spreadable.

Assemble the Rolls:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.
  3. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough into a tight log and cut it into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet.

Second Rise:

  1. Cover Rolls: Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  1. Whip Glaze Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Glaze and Serve:

  1. Drizzle the Glaze: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle cake crumbs.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Classic Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • For Brunches: Perfect centerpiece rolls for brunch tables.
  • Holiday Breakfasts: A festive addition to Christmas or Valentine’s Day mornings.
  • Dessert Twist: Serve as a decadent dessert option.
  • With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • Garnished Elegantly: Add red velvet crumbs for a stylish touch.
  • Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For an extra indulgent experience.
  • Mini Version: Make smaller rolls for bite-sized treats.
  • In Dessert Boards: Pair with berries and other desserts for a brunch spread.
  • As a Gift: Wrap them up nicely for a homemade gift for loved ones.

Additional Tips

  • Allow Proper Rising Time: Let dough rise until it’s fluffy and puffy for best results.
  • Soften Ingredients Ahead of Time: Ensure butter and cream cheese are room temperature.
  • Precision in Rolling: Use a sharp knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing them.
  • Customize the Filling: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or more cinnamon.

Recipe Variations

  • Classic Red Velvet Rolls: Keep it traditional with cinnamon and cream cheese.
  • Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
  • Chocolate Chip Rolls: Mix chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling for extra decadence.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends to adapt the dough.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a plant-based twist.

Special Equipment

  • Stand Mixer – Perfect for mixing dough evenly and effortlessly.
  • Rolling Pin – Essential for spreading and shaping the dough smoothly.
  • Silicone Baking Mat – Prevents sticking and provides even heat distribution.
  • Bench Scraper – Helps portion and lift dough without tearing.
  • Pastry Brush – Ideal for applying butter, glaze, or icing.
  • Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter – For slicing your rolls cleanly and precisely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements ensure the perfect dough consistency.
  • Mixing Bowls (Glass or Stainless Steel) – Durable and versatile for various preparation steps.
  • Cooling Rack – Allows rolls to cool evenly without sogginess.
  • Piping Bag and Tip Set – For a professional touch when drizzling icing on your rolls.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it?
    Yes, store-bought dough can be a convenient alternative.
  2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
  3. How do I prevent rolls from becoming too dry?
    Bake just until golden brown and glaze immediately for a moist finish.
  4. Can I substitute the red food coloring?
    Use beet juice or red velvet cake mix as a natural alternative.
  5. Are these rolls good for freezing?
    Yes, freeze unglazed rolls and thaw at room temperature before glazing.
  6. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
    Microwave for 20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
  7. Can I add extra toppings to these rolls?
    Yes, try nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle.
  8. How do I get a gooey filling?
    Use more brown sugar and butter in the filling mixture.
  9. Should I cover rolls while baking to retain moisture?
    No need; bake uncovered for a golden, crispy finish.
  10. Can I use cream cheese substitutes for the glaze?
    Yes, vegan cream cheese or mascarpone can work well.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning and decadent twist on a classic breakfast treat. These rolls combine the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet dough with a sweet, gooey cinnamon filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Each bite is a delightful mix of soft, fluffy texture, warm spices, and a hint of chocolatey richness—perfect for brunches, special mornings, or just satisfying your sweet cravings.

The vibrant red color adds a beautiful pop of elegance, making these rolls not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for a special gathering, they’re sure to impress with their velvety texture and irresistible flavor.

I can’t wait to see your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to see your mouth-watering creations. Don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know how you added your personal twist—I’m always excited to hear your creative ideas!

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