Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a unique combination of color and flavor that makes them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. With their soft texture, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese icing, these rolls will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Red Velvet Dough
• For the Cinnamon Filling
• For the Cream Cheese Icing
• How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Knead and Rise
• Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
• Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
• Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
• Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing
• Step 7: Ice Your Rolls
• How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• For Breakfast or Brunch
• As a Dessert
• At Special Events
• How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
• What makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls different?
• How do I customize my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• Can I use other types of flour?
• What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The rich cocoa and cinnamon blend create a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright red color adds a festive touch to any table setting.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls make an excellent treat for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
• Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cinnamon rolls are simple enough for any home baker to tackle.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as a sweet dessert with coffee or tea.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender (or your fingers)
• Rolling pin
• 9×14-inch casserole pan (or 9×13-inch baking pan)
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool simplifies kneading and helps achieve the perfect dough consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare ingredients separately, making assembly easier.
• Rolling pin: A good rolling pin ensures that you can easily roll out the dough to the right thickness without sticking.

Ingredients

These super soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas!

For the Red Velvet Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 full packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F (warm but not hot).
2. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
4. Add cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to blend until pea-sized.
5. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture along with lightly beaten eggs and red food dye to the dry ingredients.
6. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Increase mixer speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Preheat oven to 200°F then turn it off.
3. Shape dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl; cover with a kitchen towel.
4. Let rise in warm oven for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon using a hand mixer until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Evenly spread cinnamon filling over the dough reaching all edges.
3. Roll tightly from one short side to form a log; trim uneven ends.
4. Cut log into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or serrated knife.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

1. Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray; arrange rolls inside pan.
2. Cover with towel and let rise for another 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F; pour heavy cream around rolls in pan.
4. Bake for 25-27 minutes until tops are lightly golden or center reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

1. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth using hand mixer.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing on low until incorporated; mix in vanilla and milk until spreadable.

Step 7: Ice Your Rolls

As soon as they come out of the oven, spread icing over hot rolls so it melts into them for an extra gooey finish! Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can make any occasion special. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of these fluffy rolls.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
• Coffee: Pair with a warm cup of coffee or latte to balance the sweetness of the rolls.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with melted chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

At Special Events

• Decorative Platter: Arrange on a decorative platter, garnished with mint leaves, for parties or celebrations.
• Gift Box: Package in a cute box as a gift for friends and family during holidays.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your red velvet cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold temperature control: Make sure your milk is at 110°F when activating the yeast; this helps the dough rise properly.
• Bold use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Bold kneading technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture in your rolls.
• Bold avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent dry rolls; they should be lightly golden and soft.
• Bold let them rise adequately: Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this step is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls.

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Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement their sweet flavor.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side dish.
3. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche adds a savory element that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers both nutrition and flavor.
5. Bacon or Sausage Links: The salty flavor of bacon or sausage pairs well with sweet cinnamon rolls.
6. Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: Serve alongside herbed cream cheese on crackers for an added savory bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your baking experience and ensure delicious results.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can hinder the dough’s rise. Ensure that your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour leads to dry dough. Use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Skipping the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Be patient and let it double in size as instructed.
• Overbaking: Check your rolls near the end of baking time. Overbaked rolls can turn dry; aim for a lightly golden top.
• Not using enough frosting: A generous layer of cream cheese icing enhances flavor. Don’t skimp on this delicious topping!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months without icing.
• Container: Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming. This method keeps them soft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? Here are some answers!

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day before baking. Refrigerate everything overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

What makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls different?

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls have a unique flavor from cocoa powder and red dye, giving them their distinct color and taste compared to regular cinnamon rolls.

How do I customize my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the filling for extra flavor! You can also experiment with different icing flavors.

Can I use other types of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best, you could try cake flour for a softer texture, but adjust your measurements accordingly.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky during kneading, sprinkle in small amounts of flour until it’s manageable but still soft.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious! Perfect for any occasion, they can be customized with various fillings or frostings. Try this recipe today and surprise your family or guests with these delightful treats!

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