The moment you pull a tray of red velvet cinnamon rolls from the oven, your kitchen transforms into a haven of sweet aromas. Just imagine: fluffy, soft dough spiraled with a luscious cream cheese filling and sprinkled with a hint of cocoa. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful sweetness reminiscent of that special occasion when you just canβt resist going back for secondsβor thirds.
This delightful treat has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them for a brunch with friends. As the rolls baked, I could hear their excited chatter morph into an anticipatory hush, punctuated only by the occasional βWhat is that heavenly smell?β The anticipation was palpable, and when they finally got a taste, the look on their faces was pricelessβlike kids in a candy store. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy Sunday mornings, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are bound to become your new favorite indulgence.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not only easy to prepare but also offer an explosion of flavor with every bite.
- Their eye-catching color makes them perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers.
- Customize the filling and frosting to suit your taste preference, making this recipe endlessly versatile.
- Each roll is soft and fluffy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will adore.
Ingredients for red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 4 cups to create that soft and fluffy texture we all love.
- Cocoa Powder: A couple of tablespoons will give your rolls that signature red velvet flavor without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: About half a cup sweetens the dough perfectly; itβs essential for those sweet moments.
- Active Dry Yeast: One packet will help your rolls rise beautifully and achieve that light texture.
- Milk: Whole milk works best in this recipe to keep your dough moist and tender.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the doughβbecause life is too short for dry rolls!
- Eggs: Two large eggs add richness and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the flavor profile beautifullyβwho doesnβt love vanilla?
For the Filling:
- Brown Sugar: Use one cup to create that gooey sweetness inside each roll.
- Cinnamon: A generous sprinkle adds warmth and comforting spiceβessential for any cinnamon roll.
- Softened Cream Cheese: About eight ounces creates a luscious frosting; you can also use dairy-free alternatives if preferred.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by warming your milk in a small saucepan until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110Β°F or 43Β°C). In a bowl, whisk together your active dry yeast and warm milk; let it sit for about five minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In another large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until combinedβyour arms might get tired but think of those delicious rolls!
Step 3: Knead Your Dough
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (around one hour).
Step 4: Roll It Out
Once risen, punch down the dough gently (itβs not sensitive!). Roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick on a floured surface. Spread softened cream cheese over the entire surface like you’re painting! Then sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly across.
Step 5: Shape Your Rolls
Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll up your dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled up like an oversized burrito, slice it into even pieces (about two inches thick) using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 6: Bake Those Beauties
Place your sliced rolls into a greased baking dish; cover again with plastic wrap or cloth and let them rise while you preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Once puffy (about another half hour), bake them for around twenty-five minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these fabulous red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh out of the ovenβtheyβre sure to be devoured quickly!
You Must Know
- These delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls are not just a breakfast treat; they bring joy to any occasion.
- With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.
- Easy to whip up, these rolls are perfect for sharing or indulging solo!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the filling. Once rolled, bake them until golden brown, then drizzle with cream cheese frosting while still warm for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional flavors! Add chocolate chips for extra decadence or toss in some nuts for crunch. You can even experiment with different frostings like maple or vanilla to keep things exciting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350Β°F for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These red velvet cinnamon rolls are sure to impress everyone at your brunch table.
- For best results, ensure your dough rises in a warm area and donβt rush the baking time for that fluffy texture everyone loves!
I remember the first time I made these red velvet cinnamon rolls; my friends couldnβt stop raving about them. They practically disappeared within minutes, leaving only crumbs and happy faces behind!
FAQs:
What are red velvet cinnamon rolls?
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the sweet, spiced filling typical of cinnamon rolls. Made with ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and cream cheese frosting, these rolls offer a beautiful red hue and soft texture. They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day. The addition of vanilla and a hint of chocolate enhances their flavor profile, making them irresistible.
How do I store leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls?
To keep your leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life even further, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring they stay protected from freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Can I make red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time! After assembling the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature while preheating your oven. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked red velvet cinnamon rolls without spending too much time in the kitchen during busy mornings.
What can I use instead of animal-derived gelatin in my red velvet cinnamon rolls?
For those looking for alternatives to animal-derived gelatin in recipes like red velvet cinnamon rolls, plant-based options such as agar-agar or pectin work well. These gelling agents provide similar textures and consistency without using animal products. Agar-agar is derived from seaweed and can be used as a thickener or stabilizer in various recipes. Pectin is commonly found in fruits and is also an excellent choice for achieving desired textures in desserts.
Conclusion for red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
In summary, red velvet cinnamon rolls are a scrumptious fusion of classic flavors that everyone will love. By using alternative ingredients such as chicken broth instead of pork products and plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin, you can create delicious treats that cater to diverse preferences. These soft, sweet rolls topped with creamy frosting make an ideal dessert or breakfast option. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful blend of classic flavors, featuring soft and fluffy rolls infused with the rich essence of red velvet cake. Each roll is spiraled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible treat for brunch or special occasions. Their vibrant color and melt-in-your-mouth texture are sure to impress your family and friends, turning any gathering into a celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
Instructions
- Warm the milk to about 110Β°F (43Β°C). Whisk with yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Make a well in the center; add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl to rise for one hour.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle and spread cream cheese over it. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly from one long side and cut into slices. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing chocolate chips or nuts into the filling. - To make ahead, prepare the rolls up to step 5 and refrigerate overnight.