Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and the irresistible flavor of red velvet cake. These fluffy, tender rolls, swirled with a mild cocoa filling and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, make breakfast, brunch, or dessert extra special. Their vibrant red hue and decadent sweetness make them visually stunning and indulgently delicious.

This recipe takes traditional cinnamon rolls to the next level by incorporating the iconic cocoa flavor of red velvet and the tangy creaminess of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp red food coloring

Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Roll dough: Punch down dough and roll it into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the surface.
7. Shape rolls: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Second rise: Cover rolls and let rise 30–40 minutes until slightly puffed.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
10. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
11. Serve: Spread frosting over warm rolls and enjoy fresh.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Rolls

• Even color: Mix food coloring thoroughly for vibrant red rolls.
• Soft dough: Don’t over-flour; dough should remain slightly sticky.
• Warm environment: A slightly warm kitchen accelerates yeast rising.
• Make-ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise; bake in the morning.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
2. Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for breakfast.
• Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas brunch, or special weekend treats.
• Can be served slightly warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Red velvet is believed to have originated in the 1920s-1930s in the United States, prized for its unique color and tender texture from cocoa powder and buttermilk. Merging it with cinnamon rolls is a modern twist that combines two classic treats into one decadent pastry. These rolls are popular in bakeries, brunches, and holiday celebrations, appreciated for their visual appeal and rich taste.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup warm milk 110°F/43°C
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 egg large
• 2 tsp red food coloring

Filling

• 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rolling Pin

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and yeast mixture. Mix to form soft dough.
3. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Prepare filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon.
6. Roll dough into 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly.
7. Roll dough into log and cut into 12 slices. Place in greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Cover rolls and let rise 30–40 minutes.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk.
11. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Optional: Add chocolate chips or nuts to filling for variation.