Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the festive flair of red velvet cake. These soft, sweet rolls topped with creamy frosting are perfect for a special breakfast or dessert treat.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Step 4: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if using. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces.
5. Step 5: Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Step 6: While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk (2 to 4 tablespoons) to reach a spreadable consistency. Frost the rolls once they have cooled slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use mini chocolate chips in the filling for a chocolatey twist, or omit for a classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
• Allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place helps achieve a fluffy texture.
• If you want deeper red rolls, increase the red food coloring slightly, but avoid adding too much as it may affect the dough’s texture.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, and add extra frosting if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling and baking.

What can I use instead of red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or powder for a red hue, but the color might be less vibrant than with food coloring.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 110 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Deliciously soft and moist Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a rich cream cheese frosting, infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Perfect for a festive breakfast or special occasion treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

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

Filling

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

Frosting

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

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract thoroughly to prepare the liquid mixture.
3. Form Dough: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips (if using) to create the filling. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface, then evenly spread the filling over it. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls.
5. Second Rise and Bake: Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish evenly spaced. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Make Frosting and Serve: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously frost the top and serve warm.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure better dough rising.
• Optional mini chocolate chips add extra sweetness and texture.
• For deeper red color, adjust food coloring to taste.
• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
• Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

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

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast Recipes, Sweet Rolls