Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? They’re like a delightful hug in pastry form! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy roll that’s not only rich with that signature red velvet flavor but also swirled with a sweet, cinnamon goodness. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! The best part? These rolls are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a cozy brunch or a sweet treat any day of the week. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these gorgeous rolls ready to indulge in, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes it over the top. Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, softened (for spreading on dough)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for frosting)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (for thinning the frosting, if needed)

How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting those rolls perfectly baked and golden!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. It’s like creating a little dry wonderland!
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Don’t skip the food coloring—it gives those rolls that gorgeous red hue!
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. You want it to be soft and slightly sticky, so don’t overmix it!
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The size doesn’t have to be perfect, but keep it even!
Spread the softened butter generously over the dough. This is where the magic starts, so don’t be shy!
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this sweet mixture all over the buttered dough. My favorite part is seeing that cinnamon swirl come together!
Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once you’ve rolled it up, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts!
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them a little space to rise. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
While they’re baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until it’s smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread that luscious frosting over the warm rolls. Trust me, it’s the best finishing touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich red velvet and sweet cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s simply to die for!
Gorgeous Presentation: These rolls are not just tasty; their vibrant red color makes them a stunning centerpiece for any brunch or dessert table.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
Perfectly Soft Texture: They’re soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—just the way cinnamon rolls should be!
Cream Cheese Frosting: Topping them off with a luscious cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast that elevates every bite.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices to make them uniquely yours!
Great for Sharing: With 12 rolls in a batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family—everyone will want one!

Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring cups and spoons. Level off your flour with a knife for accuracy!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier roll.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls—no one wants that!
Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. Too much flour, though, can dry out the dough, so be cautious!
Let Them Rise: After cutting the rolls, let them rise for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This step is crucial for that fluffy texture!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve these rolls warm straight from the oven. The cream cheese frosting melts beautifully into the rolls, making every bite delightful!
Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for an extra flavor kick!

Variations on Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking to shake things up a bit with your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, there are so many fun variations to try! Here are some creative ideas that will keep your taste buds dancing:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a melty, gooey surprise in every bite. Who wouldn’t want extra chocolate?
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cinnamon and brown sugar. The added crunch gives a lovely texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the softness of the rolls.
Maple Pecan Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a maple-flavored frosting. Just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk for a deliciously sweet twist!
Berry Swirl: For a fruity twist, add some fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries to the filling. Just mash them up a bit and sprinkle them on after spreading the butter. The tartness adds a refreshing zing!
Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This small change can elevate the flavor profile and make your rolls even more aromatic.
Orange Zest: Incorporate some grated orange zest into your cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the rich red velvet.
Red Velvet Coffee Rolls: For coffee lovers, mix instant coffee granules into the dough or make a coffee-flavored frosting. It’s a delightful way to start your morning!

These variations not only add a fun twist but also give you the freedom to experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations. Get creative, and let your imagination run wild—your taste buds will thank you!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve devoured a few of those delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep them fresh, store your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out!

When it’s time to enjoy your rolls again, reheating is key for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. You can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up—just keep an eye on them, so they don’t get too hot! Alternatively, for a crispy exterior, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Trust me, the warm, gooey goodness will be worth the wait!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for each delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparations:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 5g

These rolls are a sweet indulgence, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet! Perfect for a treat or a special occasion, you’ll love every delicious bite.

FAQ About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Absolutely! While I love the vibrant red that traditional food coloring gives, you can use other colors if you want to get creative. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly, especially if you use natural food dyes.

How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
Great question! You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Also, the rolls should feel soft but not doughy to the touch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep in advance, you can make the dough and roll it out, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking!

What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?
To keep your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to keep them moist!

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before enjoying!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Ways to Indulge and Enjoy

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, combine milk, vegetable oil, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the dough.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.
Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.
Adjust baking time for larger rolls.
Serve warm for the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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