These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring the rich and vibrant flavor of red velvet cake. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are also a great addition to special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. The combination of sweet cinnamon filling and creamy frosting makes them irresistible!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor: These rolls combine the beloved taste of red velvet with traditional cinnamon roll goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy breakfast at home, these rolls impress every time.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy frosting enhances the rolls, making them even more indulgent.
Customizable: Add mini chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Baking dish (9×13-inch)
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients easily while giving enough space to mix without spills.
Rolling pin: Helps you roll out the dough to the perfect thickness for even baking.
Baking dish: Ensures your rolls bake evenly and fit perfectly within its size.

Ingredients

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic cinnamon roll with the rich flavor of red velvet and a luscious cream cheese frosting.

For the Dough

3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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

For the Filling

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

For the Frosting

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

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips if desired.
Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover them and let rise again for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy!

Once baked and slightly cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over the top of your soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy this delicious treat any time of day!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Serving red velvet cinnamon rolls can elevate any breakfast or brunch gathering. These delightful treats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them a perfect centerpiece for your table.

For a Festive Brunch

Serve with Fresh Berries: Pair the rolls with a medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzle with Extra Frosting: For an indulgent touch, offer additional cream cheese frosting on the side for guests to drizzle over their rolls.

With Coffee or Tea

Espresso or Cappuccino: The rich flavors of red velvet complement a bold espresso or creamy cappuccino beautifully.
Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can balance the sweetness of these rolls, creating a lovely contrast.

As Dessert

Ice Cream Scoop: Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert experience.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the frosted rolls for an extra sweet treat.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your red velvet cinnamon rolls is all about paying attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date. Fresh ingredients lead to better flavor and texture.
Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
Let Dough Rise Properly: Allowing the dough enough time to rise helps create light and airy rolls. Be patient!
Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake; you want them golden brown without being overcooked.
Cool Before Frosting: Let the rolls cool slightly before applying frosting. This prevents it from melting off and ensures that each bite is perfectly sweet.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your red velvet cinnamon rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the rolls.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy yet indulgent side.
Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein that complements the sweetness of your cinnamon rolls.
Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory element that contrasts wonderfully with sweet flavors.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Offer maple syrup as an alternative topping for those who enjoy extra sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add variety and richness, making brunch more sophisticated.

These suggestions will help you create an unforgettable meal around your red velvet cinnamon rolls!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly skip the kneading – Failing to knead the dough properly can lead to dense rolls. Knead until smooth and elastic for the best texture.
Boldly overlook resting time – Not allowing the dough to rise adequately can result in rolls that don’t puff up. Be patient and let it double in size.
Boldly skimp on frosting – Using too little cream cheese frosting can make your rolls feel incomplete. Generously spread it on top for a rich flavor.
Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures – Cold ingredients can affect yeast activation. Ensure your milk and butter are at the right temperature before mixing.
Boldly rush baking time – Underbaking can leave you with doughy centers. Keep an eye on your rolls and bake until golden brown for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual rolls on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Stovetop – Cover rolls in a skillet over low heat, warming them gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I make my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or cloves can enhance flavor. You could also include chopped nuts or more chocolate chips.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting is popular, but vanilla or chocolate ganache would also be delicious options.

How should I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Can these cinnamon rolls be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape it into rolls, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, though results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just visually stunning; they’re also rich and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize them easily by adding your favorite ingredients or trying different frostings. Don’t hesitate—give this delightful recipe a try!

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a vibrant twist on a brunch classic. These soft and fluffy rolls are infused with the rich flavor of red velvet cake and generously topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, they bring a festive touch to any breakfast or dessert table. With their sweet cinnamon filling and decadent frosting, these rolls are sure to impress your family and guests alike. Easy to make, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results with this simple recipe. Treat yourself to these irresistible rolls that blend comfort and creativity in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until combined.
Once risen, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips if desired.
Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them and let rise again for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
While rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and milk until desired consistency is reached.
Once baked and slightly cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American