Love cinnamon rolls? Craving something rich, chocolatey, and indulgent? Look no further than red velvet cinnamon rolls! These pillowy-soft treats combine the best of both worlds—classic cinnamon swirls with the signature taste and deep red hue of red velvet. Topped with luscious cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or brunch gatherings.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything from ingredient selection to baking techniques, ensuring your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this step-by-step tutorial will help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Let’s dive right in!

Introduction – What Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

What Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls. They feature a soft, rich dough infused with cocoa powder and buttermilk, giving them their signature chocolatey flavor and vibrant red color. Inside, the traditional cinnamon-sugar filling adds warmth and sweetness, while the tangy cream cheese frosting balances it all perfectly.

Unlike standard cinnamon rolls, these red velvet beauties offer a subtle chocolate flavor, making them a unique and indulgent treat. If you’re a fan of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, this recipe is a must-try!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Why settle for ordinary cinnamon rolls when you can have red velvet cinnamon rolls? Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
✅ Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, brunches, and special mornings.
✅ Soft and gooey texture – The dough is extra tender with just the right amount of chewiness.
✅ Easy to customize – Add nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or adjust the sweetness.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, these red velvet cinnamon rolls will become your new favorite go-to homemade treat!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe :

Unique Benefits of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

If you love classic cinnamon rolls, you’ll adore this red velvet twist! The combination of a rich, cocoa-infused dough and the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling creates a one-of-a-kind indulgence. But the real magic happens when these soft rolls are slathered in cream cheese frosting, balancing the sweetness with a delicious tang.

Here’s why you need to try this recipe:
✔️ Decadent texture – Fluffy, soft, and slightly chewy, thanks to the red velvet dough.
✔️ Perfect balance of flavors – A hint of chocolate, warm cinnamon, and creamy frosting.
✔️ Eye-catching dessert – The striking red color makes these rolls a showstopper.
✔️ Great for any occasion – Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or a cozy brunch.

Want more red velvet-inspired treats? Check out this Red Velvet Cake Recipe for another rich and decadent dessert!

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, red velvet cinnamon rolls offer a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the classic cinnamon filling. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, letting the dough rise overnight for a hassle-free breakfast. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this foolproof recipe guarantees soft and delicious results every time!

Ingredients Breakdown :

Main Ingredients & Their Roles

To create the perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• All-purpose or bread flour – Provides structure and chewiness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a mild chocolatey flavor.
• Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives it a fluffy texture.
• Milk (warmed to 110°F) – Activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Unsalted butter – Enhances the richness of the rolls.
• Eggs – Improves the dough’s structure and softness.
• Red gel food coloring – Gives the rolls their signature vibrant color.

Want to experiment with different desserts? Try this Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies for another eye-catching treat!

Why Cream Cheese Frosting is Essential

No red velvet cinnamon roll is complete without cream cheese frosting! It adds:
✔️ A smooth, creamy texture.
✔️ A slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
✔️ Extra moisture to keep the rolls soft and gooey.

Key frosting ingredients:

• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar (sifted)
• Vanilla extract
• Milk or heavy cream

With the right ingredients, you’re on your way to perfect homemade cinnamon rolls! Stay tuned for the step-by-step instructions in the next. 😊

Substitutions & Variations :

Alternative Ingredients for Different Preferences

Want to customize your red velvet cinnamon rolls? Whether you need a gluten-free, vegan, or lower-sugar version, here are some easy swaps:

✅ Gluten-Free Version – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour and add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for elasticity.
✅ Dairy-Free & Vegan – Replace butter with vegan butter and dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Swap cream cheese for a plant-based version.
✅ Lower Sugar Option – Use monk fruit sweetener in place of white sugar and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.

Creative Flavor Twists

Why stick to the classic when you can experiment with exciting flavors?

✔️ Chocolate Overload – Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
✔️ Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling.
✔️ Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the frosting for an indulgent finish.

For another red velvet-inspired treat, check out this Red Velvet Cake Recipe and explore even more delicious dessert options!

Step-by-Step Instructions :

How to Make the Dough

1️⃣ Activate the yeast – Warm the milk to 110°F and mix it with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3️⃣ Combine wet and dry – Add beaten eggs, red food coloring, and melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Knead the dough – If using a stand mixer, knead for 5 minutes on medium speed. By hand, knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
5️⃣ Let it rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Filling & Rolling Process

1️⃣ Prepare the filling – Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
2️⃣ Roll out the dough – On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
3️⃣ Spread the filling – Evenly spread the cinnamon-butter mixture over the dough.
4️⃣ Roll it up – Start from the short side and roll the dough tightly into a log.
5️⃣ Cut into rolls – Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife to slice 12 even rolls.

Baking & Frosting

1️⃣ Second rise – Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 20 minutes.
2️⃣ Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
3️⃣ Frosting – Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth finish!

Now that you’ve mastered making red velvet cinnamon rolls, don’t miss out on more delicious dessert recipes—explore our Valentine’s Puppy Chow Recipe for a fun and festive treat!

Pro Tips for Success :

Expert Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Want your red velvet cinnamon rolls to turn out soft, fluffy, and bakery-worthy? Follow these expert tips to achieve the best results:

✔️ Use bread flour for extra softness – While all-purpose flour works, bread flour creates a chewier, more tender texture.
✔️ Don’t overheat the milk – It should be 110°F—any hotter, and it could kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.
✔️ Let the dough rise properly – A warm environment helps the yeast work faster. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough inside an oven with the light on.
✔️ Roll the dough evenly – Keep the thickness consistent to ensure even baking.
✔️ Use room-temperature ingredients – Butter, eggs, and cream cheese mix better when not too cold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can make small mistakes when making red velvet cinnamon rolls. Here’s what to avoid:

❌ Skipping the second rise – This is crucial for fluffy rolls. Rushing this step leads to dense dough.
❌ Adding too much flour – Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
❌ Not covering the rolls while rising – Without covering, the dough can dry out, making the rolls tough.
❌ Baking too long – Overbaking dries out the rolls. Remove them as soon as they are light golden brown.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls :

Perfect Drink Pairings

Pairing your red velvet cinnamon rolls with the right drink enhances the experience! Here are some delicious drink options:

☕ Coffee or espresso – The slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the rolls.
🥛 Cold milk (dairy or plant-based) – A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors.
🍵 Chai tea or hot chocolate – Warm, spiced drinks work beautifully with the cinnamon filling.

Additional Toppings for Extra Flavor

Looking to take your red velvet cinnamon rolls to the next level? Try these creative topping ideas:

✔️ Chocolate ganache drizzle – Adds even more indulgence.
✔️ Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – A crunchy contrast to the soft dough.
✔️ Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing twist.

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are already irresistible, but with the perfect pairing, they become even more special!

FAQs :

Nutrition Information (Per Serving) :

Macronutrient Breakdown

Each red velvet cinnamon roll (without frosting) contains approximately:

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Sugar: 24g

Health Benefits of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

While red velvet cinnamon rolls are an indulgence, making them at home allows you to:
✔️ Control ingredients – Avoid preservatives and artificial flavors.
✔️ Adjust sugar levels – Reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners.
✔️ Use quality ingredients – Choose organic flour, butter, and dairy for better taste and nutrition.

Want more homemade treats? Try these Valentine Cookies for another delicious dessert idea!

Print