Print

Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in 9 Easy Steps

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavor of red velvet with the sweet spiciness of cinnamon. Perfect for brunch or dessert, they’re a showstopper with their vibrant color and cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Red food coloring (about 1-2 tsp or until deep red)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
  • Crumbled red velvet cake or crushed freeze-dried raspberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Red Velvet Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
  2. Knead and Rise: Knead dough for 8 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
  3. Fill and Roll: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly and slice into 9 rolls.
  4. Rise Again & Bake: Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30–45 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
  5. Frost and Garnish: Whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Pour over warm rolls and garnish if desired.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without thinning the dough.
  • For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cream cheese glaze cinnamon rolls, Valentine’s Day brunch recipe, Easy red velvet dessert, Homemade sweet roll recipe, Red velvet breakfast rolls, Showstopper holiday baking