The Dreamiest Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Warm, gooey red velvet cinnamon rolls dance with decadent swirls of sweet cinnamon and rich cocoa.

These delightful pastries blend the classic comfort of traditional rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around a luscious cinnamon filling that promises pure indulgence.

Each roll emerges from the oven with a gorgeous crimson hue that catches the eye and tempts the taste buds.

The velvety cream cheese icing drizzled on top adds a luxurious, tangy finish that elevates this classic treat.

Delicate, tender, and absolutely irresistible, these rolls transform an ordinary morning into a celebration of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable breakfast masterpiece.

What Makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Unique

• Bake a Family Favorite: Create a delightful treat that brings everyone together, combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple in a classic cookie format.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn easy mixing and shaping methods that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular dessert, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Enjoy Seasonal Versatility: Celebrate autumn's essence with a cookie that captures the rich, spicy notes of the season, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon snacking.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by choosing different apple varieties or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and create a unique family signature.

Ingredients for Creamy Red Velvet Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cinnamon rolls.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds the signature red velvet flavor and deep chocolate undertone.
• Sugar, Granulated: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Milk, Warm: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Butter, Melted: Contributes to the soft texture and rich flavor of the rolls.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the rolls.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the classic red velvet appearance.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon: Creates a classic sweet and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the creamy, tangy icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing.
• Butter: Adds richness to the icing.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, fluffy texture.
• Milk: Optional ingredient to adjust the consistency of the cream cheese icing.

Steps to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Create Dough Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.

Mix ingredients until a soft dough emerges.

Step 2: Knead and Rise Dough

Transfer dough onto a floured surface.

Knead thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until texture becomes smooth and stretchy. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rest in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

Blend until ingredients create a uniform mixture.

Step 4: Shape Delectable Rolls

Roll risen dough into a large rectangular shape on a floured surface. Generously spread cinnamon filling across entire surface.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll dough into a log. Slice log into 12 equal portions.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange roll slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and allow rolls to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until tops turn golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Creamy Frosting

While rolls bake, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Final Touch and Serve

Remove rolls from oven.

Let cool for 10 minutes. Generously spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes for Soft Red Velvet Roll Success

• Ensure warm milk is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
• Add extra cocoa powder or a small amount of beetroot powder for a deeper, more vibrant red color without artificial food coloring.
• Knead dough until it's smooth and elastic, preventing dry or tough rolls by maintaining proper hydration.
• Dust work surface and hands with flour when rolling and cutting to avoid dough sticking and ensure clean, even slices.
• Let rolls cool slightly before icing to prevent melting, creating a beautiful, creamy topping that stays in place.

Fun Twists for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Velvet Rolls: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, using xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Red Cinnamon Swirls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and create dairy-free cream cheese icing using cashew cream.
• Whole Wheat Health Rolls: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor profile, reducing sugar slightly to balance the heartier grain.
• Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Replace some sugar with stevia, add mashed raspberries for natural coloring instead of food coloring, and use a reduced-sugar cream cheese frosting.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Rolls

• Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or muscatel that complements the rich red velvet flavors, enhancing the rolls' deep cocoa and cinnamon notes.
• Create Coffee Companion: Brew a velvety smooth latte or cappuccino with a hint of cinnamon to match the dessert's warmth and creamy texture.
• Match Spiced Tea Blend: Choose a chai or cinnamon-infused black tea that echoes the rolls' warming spices and provides a delightful aromatic contrast.
• Serve Chilled Milk Option: Offer cold whole milk or a creamy almond milk to balance the sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cream cheese icing.

How to Keep Cinnamon Rolls Softest

• Store cooled rolls in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum freshness. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Adds back original softness and fresh-baked taste.
• Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent dryness and restore softness.

FAQs

• What gives these cinnamon rolls their unique red color?

The red food coloring combined with cocoa powder creates the signature red velvet appearance, giving these rolls a vibrant and appetizing look.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and continue with rolling and filling before baking.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. In a warm environment, this typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.

• Why is kneading the dough important?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, tender texture and helps the dough rise properly, creating light and fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring classic Southern comfort to breakfast with a luxurious twist. Silky cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa-infused dough create a perfect morning treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (gel preferred)

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Blend flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl to create a dry foundation for the dough.
2. Incorporate warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing elasticity and smoothness.
4. Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a clean towel, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
5. Craft the filling by thoroughly blending softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar into a uniform mixture.
6. Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12×18 inches on a lightly floured surface.
7. Distribute the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log, then slice into 12 uniform pieces.
9. Arrange the rolled segments in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, maintaining consistent spacing.
10. Cover the rolls and permit a second rising period of 30 minutes.
11. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
12. While baking, whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional milk into a silky, smooth icing.
13. Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes post-baking, then lavishly spread cream cheese icing across the warm surface before serving.

Notes

• Bloom the yeast carefully in warm milk to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy texture of the rolls.
• Control the amount of red food coloring to achieve the desired vibrant red velvet color without affecting the taste.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent dough development.
• Prevent dryness by covering the dough during rising stages to maintain moisture and prevent skin formation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 166 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg