If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the classic gooeyness of cinnamon rolls with the rich, dreamy color and flavor of red velvet cake, your wish has come true. This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe takes your breakfast or dessert game to a whole new level with soft, tender dough swirled with luscious cinnamon sugar and topped with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’ll fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance between soft dough, rich filling, and creamy topping.
- All-purpose flour, 3 1/4 cups: The base that gives structure to these tender rolls.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Instant yeast, 2 1/4 teaspoons: Ensures a perfect rise for fluffy, light rolls.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s depth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons: Gives a hint of chocolate flavor and deepens the red velvet color.
- Warm milk, 3/4 cup: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- Unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large egg, 1: Gives structure and a slight richness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brightens the flavors with a lovely aroma.
- Red food coloring, 1–2 teaspoons: Creates that signature vibrant red velvet hue.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup: For the filling’s caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: The star of the filling’s warm spice.
- Unsalted butter (softened), 1/4 cup (for filling): Ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks to every layer.
- Cream cheese (softened), 4 oz: The tangy base of the luscious frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened), 2 tablespoons (for frosting): Adds smoothness and richness.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Lifts the frosting with aromatic depth.
- Milk, 1–2 tablespoons: Adjusts frosting to the perfect spreadable texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder together in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Placing it in a greased bowl, cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling and Roll Out the Dough
While your dough is rising, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling. Once the dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture from edge to edge. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log, then slice it into 12 even rolls.
Step 3: Second Rise and Baking
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving each a little breathing room. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 minutes to get beautifully puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re set and just starting to turn golden on top. The smell will be irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until silky and fluffy. Add milk a little at a time to achieve your preferred consistency—whether you love it thick or more spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool just a few minutes before slathering them generously with the cream cheese frosting. The warm rolls will melt the frosting slightly, creating the ultimate sweet, tangy glaze that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, consider sprinkling a few toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh berries on the side will add a fresh contrast and beautiful color pop that makes these rolls look as incredible as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially a rich latte or spiced chai. For a more indulgent brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or creamy scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a beautiful serving platter lined with parchment paper, or serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch. For festive occasions, tie a ribbon around each roll or stack them in a layered cake form, frosting between layers, for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve their softness. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the refrigerator will extend freshness for about four days, but bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before eating.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cinnamon rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked after the first rise, wrapped well, and bake fresh from frozen by adding a little extra baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls warm and gooey after storage or freezing, microwave them for 15 to 25 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra frosting after reheating will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular yeast for instant yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just be sure to proof it first in warm milk with a bit of sugar until it’s foamy before mixing it into your dry ingredients.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Replace dairy milk with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan butter substitute, and swap the egg for flax or chia seeds mixed with water. Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting and you’ll have a dairy-free version with all the flavor and charm.
How can I make the rolls less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly in the dough and filling, or use less powdered sugar in the frosting. Balance is key, so taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
What’s the best way to get bright red color without food coloring?
Natural alternatives like beetroot powder can be used, but the color won’t be as vivid and may affect the flavor slightly. For authentic red velvet rolls, traditional red food coloring provides the signature look.
Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes! This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe works great for make-ahead. Prepare through the slicing step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking fresh the next morning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe combine classic comfort with a pop of color and flavor that brightens any day. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday breakfast, or just a way to show yourself some love, these rolls are a fantastic crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a batch of warm, irresistible joy!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of classic cinnamon rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist. Soft, fluffy dough enriched with cocoa and a hint of vanilla is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (to desired color)
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until uniform.
- Form and Knead Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon filling.
- Roll and Fill Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Form Rolls and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Cover again and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls undergo the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until the dough is set and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over warm cinnamon rolls before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an overnight version, complete the recipe through the second rise (step 8), then cover and refrigerate the rolls overnight. Before baking, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when mixing wet ingredients to avoid killing the yeast.
- Adjust red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftover rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best taste.
