There's something absolutely enchanting about the smell of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven - that rich cocoa aroma mixed with warm cinnamon spice that makes everyone in the house gravitate toward the kitchen. My daughter discovered these on a snowy Valentine's morning two years ago, and now she requests them for every special occasion.
These aren't just ordinary sweet breakfast foods; they're pillowy soft, gorgeously red, and topped with the most luxurious cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl. Trust me, once you master this baking recipe, your family will never look at regular cinnamon rolls the same way again.
Why You'll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are pure breakfast magic wrapped in gorgeous crimson swirls. What makes this dessert recipe so incredible is how it combines the beloved flavors of red velvet cake with the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls. My sister calls them "Valentine's Day treats that work all year round," and she's absolutely right! The subtle chocolate undertones paired with that signature tangy cream cheese frosting create something truly special.
Plus, they're one of those cool things to bake that always impresses guests but doesn't require professional skills. These easy bake sweets are perfect for holiday mornings, romantic brunches, or any time you want to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Aliana's Pro Tip
- Easy Swaps
- Storage & Serving Tips
- What to Serve With Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- FAQs About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- More DESSERT
What You'll Need
These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors and that stunning red color that makes these rolls so Instagram-worthy. Most items are probably already in your baking pantry!
Want perfect results? Use the measurements in the recipe card.
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Optional Extras
You can add a pinch of vanilla extract to the dough or sprinkle chopped pecans in the filling for extra texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare the Dough Base
Mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it foam for 5 minutes while you gather your other ingredients.
Create the Red Velvet Magic
Combine flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring until a soft dough forms.
Knead to Perfection
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The color should be evenly distributed throughout.
First Rise Time
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Can I make red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare them the night before, refrigerate after shaping, then bake fresh in the morning for warm breakfast treats.
Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
Shape Into Rolls
Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Final Rise and Bake
Place rolls in a greased 9x13 pan, cover, and rise 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to perfectly fluffy red velvet rolls? Don't overwork the dough, and make sure your milk is warm but not hot - around 110°F is perfect.
My mom taught me to test it on my wrist like baby formula.
Also, that second rise is crucial for getting those bakery-style soft centers that make these good baking recipes so special.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Easy Swaps
Out of red food coloring? Beet juice works as a natural alternative, though the color won't be quite as vibrant. You can also substitute the cocoa powder with extra flour if you prefer a purely vanilla flavor.
Storage & Serving Tips
These red velvet rolls are best enjoyed warm with cream cheese frosting melting on top. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
My family loves these holiday baking recipes with fresh coffee or cold milk. They're perfect as Christmas rolls dessert or Valentine's day treats, but honestly work beautifully for any special breakfast or brunch.
FAQs About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use natural food coloring instead?
Yes, though the color may be less vibrant than traditional red food coloring.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when gently poked.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Absolutely! Shape the rolls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags for up to 3 months.
What's the best way to get even slices?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife in a sawing motion.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more red velvet ideas Dessert and fun food recipes, these treats are perfect for special occasions and always a crowd-pleaser:
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version. You'll find this red velvet cinnamon rolls recipe in my dessert recipes baked collection where all my family's favorite sweet treats live.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl to activate the yeast bubbles.
- Mix flour, cocoa, remaining sugar, salt, butter, egg, and coloring to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Rise the covered dough in a greased bowl for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread with butter and cinnamon sugar to create the filling.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 even pieces using dental floss for clean edges.
- Proof the rolls in a greased pan for 30 minutes to allow them to puff up.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Frost the warm rolls with cream cheese icing immediately so it melts into the spirals.
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