Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the best of both classic cinnamon rolls and rich red velvet cake recipes into one irresistible treat.

The soft homemade dough has a hint of cocoa and a vibrant red velvet color, while the warm cinnamon sugar filling and creamy frosting make every bite bakery-worthy.

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for Christmas morning, Valentine’s Day brunch, birthdays, or anytime you want a special homemade breakfast recipe that feels extra festive.

Even though they look impressive, the step-by-step process is simple enough for beginner bakers.

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Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Soft and fluffy homemade yeast dough
• Classic red velvet flavor with cocoa and vanilla
• Sweet cinnamon sugar filling
• Rich cream cheese frosting
• Great for holidays, brunch, or dessert
• Can be prepared the night before

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls 

• Start by using room temperature butter, warm milk, and cream cheese to help the dough mix smoothly and rise properly.
• Gel food coloring works best for creating a rich red velvet color without making the dough too wet.
• After preparing and filling the dough, roll it tightly and slice the cinnamon rolls using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife for clean cuts.

• If the dough becomes too sticky, chill it briefly before slicing.
• Let the rolls rise, then bake until fluffy and golden.
• While they bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting and spread it over the slightly cooled rolls before serving.

• These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for a romantic morning at home. Pair them with these Valentines Breakfast in Bed Ideas to create an easy but impressive breakfast spread.
• They’re also a festive addition to any holiday table. Add them to your favorite Christmas Brunch Ideas for a cozy and crowd-pleasing breakfast recipe.
• Find even more sweet and savory brunch recipes to round out your menu.
  

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Red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, and filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl. They are perfect for holidays, brunch, Valentine’s Day, or a cozy weekend breakfast.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: red velvet cinnamon rolls, Red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting

Prep Time: 2 hours hours

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Author: Momma Lew

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups flour divided
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 eggs room temperature
• Red food coloring

Filling

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour

Icing:

• 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, cocoa powder, and yeast. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, sugar, and salt until 120 degrees F. Use warm milk, not hot milk, so the yeast activates properly.
• Remove from heat and stir until the butter is melted.
• Add to the flour mixture.
• Mix on low, using a regular paddle, adding the eggs one at a time. Add the food coloring until it reaches your desired shade. Be mindful that you will be adding more flour and that will soften the color.
• Place dough hook into a stand mixer.
• Beat the dough at low, adding the remaining flour a little at a time. Increase speed to medium until a soft dough forms, approximately 3 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat both sides. Cover with a clean dish towel.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 ½ hours. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for the fluffiest texture.
• Punch the dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Don’t overflour the dough or the rolls may turn dense.
• Cover and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Combine the cinnamon filling ingredients until sandy.
• Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 20 inches by 10 inches. Sprinkle with the filling mixture, leaving a 1-inch space on one long edge without filling.
• Starting on the long side, roll the dough up, working it tightly but without pulling the dough too much.
• Seal the long edge by pinching it shut.
• Cut the dough into 12 even slices by cutting the dough in half, cutting those halves in half and then the quarters into three slices each. Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean slices.
• Place each roll in a large baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, allowing about one inch between them.
• Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until doubled.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
• While the rolls bake make the cream cheese icing by combining the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla, stirring until well blended.
• Stir in the sugar and then add the milk a little at a time until reaching the desired consistency.
• Remove rolls from the oven and spread with icing. Frost the rolls while warm for ultra gooey cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions

These red velvet cinnamon rolls can easily be prepared the night before.

After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

You can also freeze unfrosted cinnamon rolls for up to 2 months. Once thawed, warm and frost before serving.