Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the iconic flavors of classic red velvet cake with the warm, gooey decadence of cinnamon rolls. These tender, buttery rolls feature a rich red-hued dough, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a tangy cream cheese glaze, creating a dessert or breakfast treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

This recipe brings together the nostalgic charm of red velvet with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, making it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions, holiday mornings, or whenever you want a sweet indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching Presentation: The vibrant red dough makes these cinnamon rolls a showstopper for any gathering.
• Unbeatable Texture: Soft, fluffy dough with a slightly chewy center.
• Rich Flavor: Hints of cocoa in the dough combined with buttery cinnamon filling and creamy frosting.
• Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons red gel food coloring

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring until well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longer side.
4. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Prepare the Glaze

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth and pourable.

6. Finish the Rolls

1. Let the baked rolls cool for 5–10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the top before serving.

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Variations

• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for extra richness.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warming twist.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 rolls.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time).
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes.
• Total Time: 3 hours.

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Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

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FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

2. Can I freeze red velvet cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then glaze before serving.

3. How do I achieve the perfect red color?

Use gel food coloring for a vibrant hue without altering the dough’s consistency.

4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes. Skip the proofing step and mix instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients.

5. What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can omit the cocoa powder, but it will alter the flavor slightly and be less authentic to red velvet.

6. How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a roll—it should come out clean, and the tops will be golden brown.

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but note the texture may differ.

8. What’s the best way to roll the dough evenly?

Use a rolling pin and measure with a ruler to ensure uniform thickness.

9. Can I add other spices to the filling?

Certainly! Try cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice for a unique twist.

10. Why is my dough not rising?

Ensure your yeast is active and that the milk isn’t too hot (over 115°F) or too cold.

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Conclusion

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a stunning and flavorful treat that combines the best of red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls. Whether for a holiday brunch, a romantic breakfast in bed, or a decadent dessert, these rolls are sure to impress. With their soft texture, rich filling, and creamy glaze, they’re worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Bake a batch today and enjoy this sweet indulgence!

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