Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the perfect twist on a classic breakfast treat with these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich red color and warm cinnamon flavor, they make any morning feel special.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2-4 tbsp milk (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional mini chocolate chips until well combined.
5. Step 5: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from the long edge. Slice into individual rolls.
6. Step 6: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
8. Step 8: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and spreadable.
9. Step 9: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the frosting over the top and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the red velvet taste.
• If you prefer, substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts or omit them for a simpler roll.
• Use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth frosting.
• Let rolls cool briefly before frosting to prevent melting but spread while still warm for easier application.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, then add fresh frosting if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk gives the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk if preferred.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 125 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Deliciously festive Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, tender dough colored with vibrant red food coloring, filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smoothly blended.
3. Form Dough: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips if using. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, spread the filling evenly over the surface.
5. Shape Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
7. Make Frosting: While rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk, beating until smooth and spreadable.
8. Frost and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly after baking, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each roll. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For best results, use fresh active dry yeast and ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
• If you prefer, omit mini chocolate chips for a traditional cinnamon roll experience.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to suit your taste preference.
• Red food coloring results may vary; gel food coloring can produce a more vibrant red hue compared to liquid.
• The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk to reach your desired spreadability.
• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and warmed before serving.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastry, holiday rolls, sweet rolls