Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a rich red velvet dough layered with cinnamon, brown sugar, and mini chocolate chips. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine, then knead the mixture into a soft dough.
- Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth.
- Step 6: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Step 7: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Step 8: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other and slice into individual rolls.
- Step 9: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until soft and cooked through.
- Step 11: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 12: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the cream cheese mixture to create a smooth frosting.
- Step 13: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole milk warmed to about 110°F for the best yeast activation.
- Try substituting mini white chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
- For a creamier filling, add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping; thaw and let rise before baking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast without proofing it first?
Yes, in this recipe the yeast is mixed directly with dry ingredients, but make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast during the rise.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
You can substitute non-dairy milk and vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg. The cream cheese frosting can be made using vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar. Adjust rising times as needed.
Print
Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Heavenly Red Velvet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet. Featuring a vibrant red dough infused with classic red velvet flavors, filled with a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture and mini chocolate chips, then topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect indulgent treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead the mixture until you have a soft, elastic dough. This can take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well mixed.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the dough rectangle.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the buttered filling layer to add bursts of chocolatey flavor.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into 12 equal roll sections.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise until puffed, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are soft, cooked through, and lightly golden on top.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven. Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly taste.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- For best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts or raisins if preferred.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before spreading.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Frosting, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Baked Goods, Homemade Rolls, Dessert Rolls

