Creating a batch of luscious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is like unwrapping a gift of flavor on a lazy Sunday morning or making a festive statement at brunch. The delightful balance of rich cocoa, a hint of cinnamon, and that eye-catching red hue makes these rolls more than just a treat; they become a centerpiece. Each pillowy roll is slathered with an irresistible cream cheese glaze, transforming them into a comforting indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking to brighten up the week, these cinnamon rolls never cease to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls apart from traditional recipes is the vibrant twist on a beloved favorite. The rich cocoa powder and red food coloring not only add visual appeal but also create a unique flavor profile that enchants both young and old. Plus, the combination of the gooey cinnamon filling and the creamy glaze ensures that every bite is a burst of decadence.

“These cinnamon rolls are magical! They’re not just delicious; they’re the highlight of our brunch. Everyone raved about their fluffy texture and fabulous flavor.” – A Happy Baker

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or even as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these rolls bring cheer and warmth to any table. The fun preparation process involves not just baking but also the anticipation of your kitchen filling with sweet aromas. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the idea of a red velvet dessert?

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is an enjoyable project that’s easier than it might seem. You’ll start by combining your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then bring them together to form a lovely dough. A short rise allows the dough to develop its buttery flavor, followed by rolling, filling, and some magical baking transformations. Finally, don’t forget the decadent cream cheese glaze that drizzles over the top for finishing touches.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Dough:
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- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: You can substitute almond milk for regular milk and use vegan butter to adapt to dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by mixing the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk the warmed milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until a soft dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then place it in a greased bowl to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
After the dough rises, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly across the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice into individual rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and delicious.
For the cream cheese glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls, and they’re ready to serve!

Best Way to Serve

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm straight from the oven. Pair them with a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful breakfast experience. You can also add a side of fresh berries for a burst of color and tang, making for a gorgeous presentation. If you want to take it up a notch, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of sea salt can balance the sweetness beautifully.

Storage Tips

To keep your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh longer, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for an even longer shelf life of up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer to make the rolls ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and filling, then freeze the unbaked rolls. Let them thaw and rise before baking for fresh, homemade goodness whenever you like.

Expert Advice

Kneading Tips: Don’t rush the kneading. A few extra minutes will help develop gluten, leading to softer rolls.
Perfect Rise: If your kitchen is cool, try placing your dough in the oven with just the light on. This will create a nice warm environment for the dough to rise.
Batch Size: Feel free to double the recipe and freeze some rolls for a later date!

Creative Twists

Love to experiment? Try adding different flavors to your cinnamon rolls! You could include chocolate chips for extra indulgence, pecans for a nutty crunch, or even a touch of orange zest to brighten the flavors. Glazing the rolls with a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of cream cheese can also provide a deliciously different take.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prep these rolls?
Prep time is about 20 minutes, with a total of around 2 hours due to rising times.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
While homemade dough shines, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time, but the red velvet twist may be lost.
What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
The microwave is quick for individual rolls. For a larger batch, warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Now that you have the complete rundown on these delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get to baking! Enjoy the process, savor the delightful outcome, and remember—the joy is just as much in the making as it is in the eating!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with rich cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, topped with cream cheese glaze, perfect for brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1 large egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk the warmed milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until a soft dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then place it in a greased bowl to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 60 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly across the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice into individual rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and delicious.
For the cream cheese glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls, and they’re ready to serve!

Notes

These rolls can be made ahead of time and frozen unbaked. Thaw and let rise before baking. Serve warm for best taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: red velvet, cinnamon rolls, brunch, dessert, cream cheese glaze