There’s something undeniably enchanting about waking up to the scent of freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. As the warmth of the oven wraps around me, I’m transported to a cozy coffee shop where the sweet aroma dances with the rich notes of cocoa and cinnamon. One bite into these fluffy, vibrant rolls drizzled in creamy frosting, and all the stresses of my day melt away.
This delightful recipe is a celebration of everything I love about homemade treats: simplicity, indulgence, and a touch of whimsy. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up—despite their stunning appearance. You’ll find the combination of rich red velvet and sweet, spicy cinnamon irresistibly joyous, making them a sure-fire hit with family and friends.
So, let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure and transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth and delight with these stunning Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are remarkably easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for any home baker.
- The vibrant hue and delightful aroma will impress anyone who sees and smells them, adding a festive touch to your table.
- With their unique blend of rich cocoa and warm cinnamon, each roll bursts with flavor that’s sure to please a crowd.
- They’re versatile enough to serve for brunch, dessert, or even special occasions, ensuring you’ll find reasons to make them again and again.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
• Get ready to bake!
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – a key ingredient that provides structure for your soft rolls.
• Cocoa powder – adds a rich chocolate flavor and the characteristic red velvet hue.
• Sugar – sweetens the dough and enhances the flavor of your rolls.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Baking powder – helps the dough rise, ensuring fluffy rolls.
• Baking soda – activates in the presence of acidity, working with cocoa to give a tender texture.
• Milk – keeps the dough moist and supports a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil – adds moisture and richness without a strong flavor.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients and enriches the dough’s flavor.
• Red food coloring – gives the rolls their striking and festive color.
• Vanilla extract – infuses the dough with a delightful aroma and flavor.
For the Filling
• Butter (softened) – spreads easily on the dough for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Brown sugar – adds depth and caramel notes, contrasting beautifully with the cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon – brings warmth and spice, making these rolls truly indulgent.
For the Frosting
• Cream cheese – creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting that you can’t resist.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky texture.
• Milk (for frosting) – adjusts the consistency for spreading; just the right amount for creamy goodness.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the rolls will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy and golden brown.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This blend forms the base of your delicious dough.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. This colorful mixture adds moisture and flavor to your dough.
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Form Dough: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing; just enough until everything is incorporated will keep your rolls light and airy.
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Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. The size should be big enough to spread your filling generously.
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Spread Butter: Generously spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough, ensuring it reaches the edges to create a rich, moist filling in every bite.
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Add Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the buttered dough, enhancing the flavor profile with sweet and warm spices.
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Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Cut it into 12 equal rolls, making sure each slice is about 1 inch thick for consistent baking.
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Prepare Baking Dish: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to rise. This is where the magic happens; they’ll expand beautifully in the oven!
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Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time!
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Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth and creamy. This heavenly frosting will add that final touch of sweetness.
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Frost Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into every crevice.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or additional cinnamon for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Enjoy your freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls within 1–2 days; simply cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and moist.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; this helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Reheating: Warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their softness. Drizzle with frosting before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
What to Serve with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Indulging in warm, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is just the beginning of a delightful meal experience. Let’s elevate your gathering with these mouthwatering pairings.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of these mashed potatoes provides a comforting counterpart to your sweet rolls, creating a balanced meal.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens the palate, offering a light and revitalizing contrast to the rich rolls. It’s a burst of color and sweetness on your plate!
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Savory Quiche: The eggy, cheesy goodness of a quiche complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly, making it a hearty brunch staple that everyone will adore.
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Sautéed Spinach: This garlicky green side adds a nutritious touch and a pop of color to your table, grounding the sweetness of the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with its savory notes.
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Maple Glazed Bacon: For those who enjoy a sweet and salty combination, crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup adds a delicious crunch and rich flavor that balances the sweetness of your rolls.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Both beverages enhance the cozy experience—rich coffee offers a complimentary bitterness to offset the sweetness, while hot chocolate wraps you in warm nostalgia.
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Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For dessert lovers, topping your rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience to pure bliss.
Let these pairings inspire a feast that brings warmth and joy to your table!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful rolls—there’s no end to how you can customize them!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra delightful crunch and flavor depth.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese into the filling for a creamy surprise that elevates these rolls to new heights.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely grated fresh ginger to the filling for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Fruity Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cherries or cranberries into the dough for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Coconut Bliss: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut in the filling for a tropical flair that pairs perfectly with the rich cocoa.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the filling for those who crave an additional chocolatey goodness.
- Vegan Friendly: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use almond or oat milk along with dairy-free cream cheese for a fully vegan adaptation.
Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic, turning your baking adventure into a delightful surprise!
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough and fillings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe steps until you’ve cut the rolls, then place them in a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To maintain their fluffy texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the fridge or freezer, adjusting the baking time as needed for delicious, warm treats that taste just as fresh!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately for the best results; dry ingredients should always be spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off.
- If you find your dough is too sticky while rolling it out, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to make the process easier.
- To create even more tender rolls, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to denser rolls instead of fluffy ones.
- Keep an eye on your oven towards the end of the baking time; the rolls should be golden brown and puffed up, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, it’s important to choose the freshest options. For the cocoa powder, opt for a good-quality unsweetened brand for the best flavor. Make sure the flour is fresh and hasn’t been exposed to moisture, and the milk should be whole or 2% for added richness. Remember, fresh eggs that are not cracked are essential for a fluffy dough.
How should I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
To keep your leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, which helps maintain their delightful texture. Just be sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Very! Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is a great option if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky while making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to ease the rolling process. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour on the dough itself while rolling it out. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as that could make your rolls dense.
Are there any dietary considerations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
Definitely! If you have allergies, be mindful of the ingredients. The rolls contain gluten from the all-purpose flour, dairy in the milk and cream cheese, and eggs. For a gluten-free version, you could substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using almond milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Always check the labels for allergens and opt for substitutes that work for your dietary needs.
How long can I keep Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in the fridge?
In the fridge, your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can last for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Every time you pull one out, they’ll still be soft and delicious if stored correctly, ready to be enjoyed with that creamy frosting!
Equipment
- large bowl
- small bowl
- baking dish
- Rolling Pin
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk warm
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk for frosting
Instructions
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Cut it into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
