Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on your favorite sweet breakfast treat. This vibrant version brings together the comforting warmth of cinnamon-spiced dough and the subtle cocoa notes of red velvet, all wrapped up in a pillowy roll that practically melts on your tongue. The deep ruby hue isn’t just for show—it hints at that velvety chocolate flavor that dances alongside the spicy-sweet filling. With a 30-minute prep, 25 minutes of baking, and about 2½ hours of rising time, these rolls fit beautifully into a leisurely weekend morning or a special occasion brunch. At roughly 350 calories per roll and classified at an intermediate difficulty level, they’re an indulgent project worth every moment.
Ever since I first tested this recipe, I’ve been hooked on how the red food coloring and cocoa powder transform a simple dough into something show-stopping. My kitchen smelled like a bakery exhibit as those rolls rose to twice their size—bubbling and alive. There’s something almost therapeutic about rolling out the dough into a 16×20-inch canvas, spreading that soft butter, and watching the brown sugar and cinnamon meld into a caramel-like paste. By the time these beauties come out of a 375°F oven, golden around the edges, I’ve already savored half of them in spirit. And then the showstopper happens: a generous slather of silky cream cheese frosting that seeps into every crevice. Trust me, whether you’re sharing them with friends or hoarding them for yourself, these red velvet cinnamon rolls will sweeten your morning—and maybe, just maybe, inspire you to host that cozy breakfast you’ve been daydreaming about.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Before diving into the rolling and rising, let’s gather our stars. Each ingredient contributes to the signature texture, flavor, and appearance of these sweet red velvet rolls. From the yeasty backbone to the spiced-sugar swirl and the creamy finishing touch, here’s why each element matters:
- Active Dry Yeast
Yeast is the magic behind the fluffy, airy texture. As it “blooms” in warm milk, it creates the gas bubbles that give each roll its soft, tender crumb.
- Warm Milk
Warmer than body temperature but not scorching, milk activates the yeast and adds moisture. It also enriches the dough’s taste with a hint of subtle sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar
A primary sweetener in the dough, sugar not only flavors the rolls but also feeds the yeast for a better rise and tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (Dough)
Melted into the dough, butter contributes richness and moistness. Choosing unsalted lets you control the salt content precisely.
- Salt
A small amount of salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity, making sure the cocoa and cinnamon shine.
- Eggs
Eggs bind ingredients, add structure, and contribute to the dough’s tender, enriched texture, giving it a slightly golden hue and richness.
- Cocoa Powder
This gives the dough its subtle chocolate undertone, complementing the sweet cinnamon filling and adding depth to the red velvet flavor.
- Red Food Coloring
A must for that signature crimson color. It transforms the dough into eye-catching rolls without altering the taste.
- All-Purpose Flour
The structural backbone of the dough, flour provides the gluten framework that traps the gases from yeast, creating rise and elasticity.
- Unsalted Butter (Filling)
Softened to spread easily, this butter layer helps the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture adhere uniformly, creating that luscious filling.
- Light Brown Sugar
Its molasses content gives the filling a deeper, caramel-like flavor than white sugar, enriching the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground Cinnamon
The warm, spicy kick that defines a cinnamon roll, this ingredient melds perfectly with brown sugar to create that classic sweet-spice ribbon.
- Cream Cheese
Silky and tangy, cream cheese is the heart of the frosting. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful creamy mouthfeel.
- Unsalted Butter (Frosting)
Whipped into the cream cheese, this intensifies richness and helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
- Powdered Sugar
Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves seamlessly into butter and cream cheese, delivering a velvety frosting without grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla rounds out sweetness with floral, aromatic notes, elevating the frosting’s overall flavor.
- Milk (Frosting)
Added sparingly, milk adjusts the frosting’s consistency, ensuring it’s thick enough to cling yet soft enough to drizzle.
HOW TO MAKE RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform these individual ingredients into swirls of red-hued, cinnamon-scented bliss. Follow each detailed step to create perfect rolls and a dreamy frosting that ties it all together.
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (about 110°F). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until a light froth forms, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Whisk or use a handheld mixer to ensure the color and cocoa are evenly distributed, forming a smooth, vibrant mixture.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until the liquid ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a cohesive, slightly sticky batter.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough begins to form. Once it’s too stiff to mix, transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover tightly with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 16×20-inch rectangle, keeping edges neat and the thickness even.
7. Spread the softened butter (filling) evenly over the entire surface of the dough, reaching each corner for a consistent swirl.
8. In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly blended. Sprinkle the mixture in an even layer over the buttered dough, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
9. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough like a scroll, ensuring a snug spiral. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 to 15 equal slices.
10. Place the individual rolls into a greased baking pan, arranging them snugly so they support each other as they rise. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes for that extra fluff.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set.
12. While the rolls cool for a few minutes, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until velvety smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
13. As soon as the rolls have cooled slightly (warm but not piping hot), spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve these gooey, colorful swirls warm for maximum indulgence.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a showstopper on their own, but a few creative serving touches can elevate them from delicious to unforgettable. Think about pairing flavors, textures, and presentations that highlight their vibrant color and silky frosting, and make every bite feel like a special occasion.
- Brunch Platter Pairing
Arrange the rolls alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced kiwi on a wide platter. The bright fruit juices cut through the sweetness and create a balanced, eye-catching spread—perfect for gatherings.
- Coffee or Cocoa Station
Serve each roll with a small carafe of strong coffee or hot chocolate. The bold coffee accentuates the cocoa in the rolls, while marshmallows in hot cocoa add a playful contrast to the tangy frosting.
- Individual Servings
Place a single roll on a dessert plate, drizzle extra frosting in a decorative zigzag, and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or a few toasted pecans for texture and visual flair.
- Mini Roll Ups
Cut the dough into 24 smaller slices instead of 12. Bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats. These mini rolls offer convenience at parties and can be popped into mouths in one or two bites for an adorable, shareable snack.
HOW TO STORE RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
After all that rolling, rising, and frosting, you’ll want to keep these cinnamon rolls fresh for as long as possible. Whether you’re enjoying them over a few days or planning ahead for tomorrow’s breakfast, here are proven methods to preserve flavor, texture, and moisture.
- Room-Temperature Short-Term
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. At room temperature, they stay soft and fresh for up to 48 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can dry out the frosting.
- Refrigeration
Place the rolls in a sealed container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The frosting will firm up, so warm individual portions in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to restore that creamy texture before serving.
- Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked rolls. Wrap each roll (or entire pan) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave single rolls for about 30 seconds.
- Frosting-On vs. Frosting-Off
If freezing baked rolls, you can opt to freeze without frosting. Keep frosting in a separate airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This prevents the sugar in the frosting from weeping. Simply warm the rolls and spread on fresh frosting just before serving.
CONCLUSION
From the moment that warm milk meets active dry yeast to the grand finale of spreading silky cream cheese frosting, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a joyful baking experience. We’ve walked through every ingredient’s role, mastered the kneading and rising process, and perfected the art of swirling rich brown sugar and cinnamon inside a red-hued dough. Alongside serving tips—like pairing with fresh fruit, coffee stations, or mini-bite versions—you now have the tools to make these rolls the highlight of any brunch or dessert table. Remember that this intermediate-level recipe requires about 30 minutes of active prep, 25 minutes of baking, and 2½ hours of resting time, yielding 12 luscious rolls at approximately 350 calories each.
Feel free to print this article or save it as your go-to guide whenever you’re craving that sweet, spiced swirl of red velvet cinnamon goodness. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any lingering questions about substitutions, troubleshooting, and tips for freezing or reheating. If you decide to try out this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out: leave a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions if you need a hand. Happy baking and enjoy every delectable bite!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Enjoy a scrumptious twist on a classic favorite with these vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls. They offer a perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and warm spices, finished off with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix well.
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Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until combined.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle, about 16x20 inches.
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
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In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
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Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log, then cut it into 12 to 15 equal slices.
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Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
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Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm.
Note
- For a stronger red color, you may add additional food coloring.
- To save time, the dough can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Try adding crushed pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- These rolls freeze well, and can be reheated for a fresh taste.
