Looking to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the best of two dessert favorites? These delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of rich, velvety flavor and classic cinnamon roll goodness.
With their soft texture and tangy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a decadent way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For more ideas like this, check out our delicious collection of red velvet recipes and discover new ways to enjoy this beloved flavor in all its forms!
Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe brings a unique twist to the table.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Gather your ingredients:
Ensure your butter, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and rising.
Gel food coloring works best for achieving a deep red color without thinning out the dough.
To cut the cinnamon rolls smoothly and evenly avoid adding too much filling to prevent it from spilling out when cutting. Plain, unflavored dental floss is perfect for cutting without squishing the dough. Simply slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice through cleanly.
If you prefer using a knife, ensure it’s very sharp to avoid compressing the rolls. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard.
If your dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms it up and makes cutting much easier.
Before the final rise, rolls may be tightly covered with plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to rise before baking.
You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake in the morning. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
How do you make red velvet cinnamon rolls icing?
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Start your holiday mornings or special occasions with these irresistible recipes! Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas Morning Brunch, a sweet Valentine’s Day Breakfast, or craving something indulgent like Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites or a classic Red Velvet Cake, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss our fun twists like the delicious Red Velvet Nothing Bundt Cake and the creamy Red Velvet Cake Dip — perfect for sharing!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Buns FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling, roll the cinnamon rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
Do Red Velvet cinnamon rolls need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. Since cream cheese can spoil at room temperature, it’s best to store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds before serving.
If the rolls do not have cream cheese frosting, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days .
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the softness.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Treat yourself to these delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
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.
- 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.
- Punch the dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- 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.
- 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.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the softness.