The Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Craving a decadent twist on classic red velvet cinnamon rolls that promises pure indulgence?

Soft, pillowy dough swirls with rich crimson hues and warm spices beckon from your kitchen counter.

Cream cheese frosting promises to complement each delectable bite with luxurious smoothness.

Chocolate undertones dance playfully between layers of tender pastry, creating an irresistible morning treat.

Weekend brunch just got a serious upgrade with this show-stopping recipe.

Baking these rolls fills your home with an intoxicating aroma that draws everyone straight to the kitchen.

Why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are a Decadent Treat

• Craft Unique Dessert: Transform a classic cake mix into a stunning, eye-catching cinnamon roll that brings a vibrant twist to traditional breakfast treats.
• Master Simple Baking: Achieve professional-looking pastries with straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can confidently follow without complex techniques.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Delight guests and family members with a show-stopping red velvet dessert that combines the richness of cake with the comfort of warm cinnamon rolls.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Create a special breakfast or brunch item that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal for weekend gatherings.

Ingredients List for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: A convenient mix that provides the signature red color and flavor for the cinnamon rolls.
• Yeast: A critical ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast and creating the right dough consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Butter, Melted: Adds richness and helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and aromatic filling that adds flavor and warmth to the rolls.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic topping that adds a creamy, tangy finish to the red velvet cinnamon rolls.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine red velvet cake mix, active dry yeast, and warm water. Let the mixture sit and become wonderfully bubbly for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Develop the Dough

Mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead passionately for 5 minutes, creating a smooth and elastic texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Create the Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 even cinnamon rolls. Nestle the rolls into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes, becoming puffy and irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Drizzle with cream cheese frosting and serve these luxurious rolls while they’re warm and utterly delightful.

Pro Tips for Fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate the yeast properly by ensuring water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal rise and texture.
• Dust work surface generously with flour to prevent sticky dough from clinging and making rolling difficult.
• Rest dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor and soft texture.
• Slice rolls using dental floss for clean, precise cuts without squishing the delicate dough.
• Check rolls at 25 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens vary in temperature and baking performance.

Variations to Personalize Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Replace cinnamon with chocolate chips and cocoa powder in the filling for a rich, decadent version.
• Nutty Berry Blast: Sprinkle chopped almonds and dried cranberries inside the rolls for extra texture and tangy flavor.
• Cream Cheese Dream: Incorporate soft cream cheese directly into the dough for a more intense, creamy texture throughout the rolls.
• Salted Caramel Rush: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the rolls instead of traditional cream cheese frosting for a gourmet touch.

Pairing Ideas for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Sweet Espresso Shots: Strong espresso cuts through the rich sweetness of red velvet cinnamon rolls, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the dessert's decadence.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Smooth vanilla latte complements the red velvet's cocoa notes and softens the cinnamon's warmth, providing a luxurious drinking experience.
• Blend Chilled Milk Options: Cold whole milk or almond milk offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, cooling down each delightful bite.
• Select Dark Chocolate Mocha: Deep, intense mocha highlights the red velvet's chocolate undertones while adding complexity to the roll's sweet cinnamon layers.

Storage Recommendations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Seal cooled red velvet cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent burning and heat for 10-12 minutes until warm and soft. Drizzle fresh cream cheese frosting after reheating.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed, being careful not to overheat and dry out the rolls.

FAQs Regarding Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Can I use regular cake mix instead of red velvet?

You can substitute red velvet with vanilla or white cake mix, but the unique flavor and color will change.

• Do I need instant or active dry yeast?

Active dry yeast works best. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I know the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy when gently pressed. It typically takes about an hour in a warm, draft-free area.

• Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next morning.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls bring Southern charm to classic breakfast pastries, combining rich chocolate notes with warm spices. Cream cheese frosting crowns these luxurious rolls, promising a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package red velvet cake mix
• 3 1/2 cups (440 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water

Yeast and Sweeteners:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Butter and Spices:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining red velvet cake mix, yeast, and warm water in a mixing bowl. Allow the blend to develop for 5 minutes until foam appears.
2. Incorporate flour into the yeast mixture, creating a cohesive dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and let it expand in a warm environment for approximately 60 minutes until doubled in volume.
4. Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
5. Generously coat the dough surface with melted butter, then evenly distribute a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon across the entire area.
6. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, ensuring a compact and uniform shape.
7. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal segments using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
8. Arrange the individual rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each piece.
9. Cover the rolls and permit a second rise for 30 minutes in a draft-free location.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) during the final rising period.
11. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
12. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with cream cheese frosting while still warm.

Notes

• Enhance the red velvet flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for deeper, richer taste.
• Adjust rising times based on kitchen temperature; warmer environments speed up yeast activation, while cooler spaces slow down the process.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Control moisture by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding over-kneading, which can make the rolls tough and dense.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg