Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whole milk, warm; 1/2 cup water, warm; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you love gooey, frosted cinnamon rolls and can’t resist the striking look and flavor of red velvet, you’re in for a treat. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic combines swirls of buttery cinnamon filling with that signature vivid red hue and a swoon-worthy hint of cocoa, all finished with a lavish layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. This is the kind of breakfast bake that turns any ordinary morning into a special occasion, and trust me, once you make these, you’ll be dreaming about them for weeks to come!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few pantry staples come together to create a truly show-stopping treat. Each ingredient in these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic has a key job, whether it’s building the pillowy dough, infusing that unmistakable red color, or making the filling deliciously decadent.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, giving it a tender yet sturdy texture that holds up to rolling and baking.
Granulated sugar: For a hint of sweetness in the dough, setting the stage for all the other flavors.
Active dry yeast: The driving force behind those lofty, fluffy rolls we all crave!
Salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Whole milk, warm: Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s just warm, not hot, so the yeast can thrive.
Water, warm: Keeps the dough soft and hydrated without being too rich.
Unsalted butter, softened: Blends seamlessly into both the dough and the filling for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Eggs, large: Essential for structure and richness—room-temperature eggs work best!
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The secret to that subtle chocolatey background that defines red velvet.
Red food coloring (gel or liquid): Brings out that irresistible, bold red color.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the dough and the frosting.
For the Filling: More unsalted butter, brown sugar for caramel notes, cinnamon for spice, and a pinch of salt to round it all out.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting: Softened cream cheese and butter make it rich and smooth, powdered sugar sweetens, vanilla provides aroma, and a pinch of salt cuts the sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by waking up your yeast—combine warm milk, water, and sugar in a small bowl, then let the yeast sit on top for several minutes until it gets frothy. This is how you know your rolls will rise tall and proud. After that, whisk together flour, salt, and cocoa powder, then add your activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, vibrant red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix it all until the dough forms, then knead by hand for about 6-8 minutes. You’re aiming for a soft, smooth, slightly tacky dough. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until it’s doubled in size—about an hour, and worth every moment of anticipation.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough works its magic, stir together your softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little salt. This filling is the heart of every swirl, so mix until it’s combined and spreadable. The aroma alone might have you swooning!

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

When the dough is ready, gently punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread your cinnamon filling all the way to the edges, then roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 generous rolls and arrange them in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let them rise again, this time for just 30 minutes, so they’re puffed up and ready for the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and slide the rolls in for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden on top and your kitchen smells like pure bliss. Allow them to cool for about five minutes—just enough that the frosting won’t melt completely, but they’re still warm and inviting.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

While the rolls bake, beat together your cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for the silkiest, tangiest frosting ever. Dollop it generously over the warm Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic and watch it melt into all those craggy cinnamon-swirled nooks. Pure perfection!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic

Garnishes

For a special finishing touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or even mini chocolate chips. These extras highlight the beautiful color and add a fun texture to every bite.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness with fresh fruit like strawberries or berries, or pair with a creamy vanilla latte. If it’s brunch, a plate of scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad makes the whole spread even more inviting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic in a festive basket lined with a bright napkin at holiday brunches, or arrange them on a cake stand with extra swirls of frosting and berries for an unforgettable birthday breakfast. For smaller gatherings, plate each roll with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or an extra swirl of cream cheese frosting for a true bakery-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic in an airtight container in the fridge so they stay tender and moist for up to four days. The flavors blend and the frosting gets even tangier after a day or two!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze them unfrosted—wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving for that just-baked taste.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or pop a whole pan in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil until heated through. A quick warm-up revives the pillowy texture and makes the cream cheese frosting extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Let your shaped rolls do their second rise in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning for a truly effortless and impressive breakfast.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial?

Yes, natural liquid or powdered food dyes will work; just know the color may be softer and less vivid than classic red velvet. Beet powder is a favorite for natural red coloring!

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries, this dough is easily mixed and kneaded by hand. It’s a perfect project if you love getting hands-on in the kitchen!

Can I make these gluten free?

With a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, you can bake up gluten-free Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic with great results.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Simply double all the ingredients and use two baking dishes—perfect for brunch parties or holiday mornings when everyone wants seconds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s as stunning to look at as it is satisfying to eat, you can’t go wrong with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Twist on a Classic. The combination of plush, cocoa-kissed dough, gooey cinnamon swirls, and tangy cream cheese frosting is pure bliss. Don’t hesitate to share these with your loved ones—for brunch, birthdays, or just because. You’ll make memories (and breakfast lovers) for life!