Description
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a luxurious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining a soft, rich red velvet dough with a warm cinnamon filling and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. These rolls are visually stunning and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—perfect for special breakfasts or indulgent brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- A pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix to form a soft dough.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled.
- While dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a 16×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls cool slightly, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Substitute almond or coconut milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these gluten-free.
- Replace egg with a flaxseed egg for an egg-free version.
- Top with caramel drizzle, fresh berries, or fruit compote for extra indulgence.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls, festive cinnamon rolls, soft and fluffy cinnamon buns