If you love soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and the rich flavor of red velvet cake, this recipe is for you! These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting—a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch.
Whether you’re searching for easy Christmas cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert recipes, or first-time baker recipes, this simple yet indulgent recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & fluffy texture – The red velvet dough is rich, tender, and perfect for rolling.
- Delicious cinnamon-sugar filling – A sweet, buttery swirl in every bite!
- Creamy cream cheese frosting – The perfect finishing touch.
- Beginner-friendly – A great recipe for first-time bakers!
Ingredients Needed
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 5: Roll & Fill
- Roll out the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 9: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and enjoy these gooey, decadent treats!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Use warm milk (not hot!) – Hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise fully – This ensures light, fluffy rolls.
- Don’t overbake – Bake until just golden to keep them soft.
- For extra flavor – Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling!
Recipe Variations
- Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins – Bake in a muffin tin for grab-and-go rolls.
- Chocolate Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Stuffed Red Velvet Rolls – Spread cream cheese filling inside before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These red velvet breakfast rolls pair well with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Fresh berries for a fruity contrast
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the second rise – Rolls will be dense instead of fluffy.
- Overbaking – This dries out the cinnamon rolls.
- Not using enough filling – A generous filling makes them extra gooey!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, but it will rise faster. Reduce the first rise to 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls?
Use dental floss for clean slices without squishing the dough.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet, festive twist on a classic, perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or anytime you crave something indulgent. If you love red velvet desserts and warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, this recipe is a must-try!
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Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 5: Roll & Fill
- Roll out the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 9: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and enjoy these gooey, decadent treats!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls : A Decadent Dessert
If you love soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and the rich flavor of red velvet cake, this recipe is for you!
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 1 cup 240ml warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 3 ½ cups 440g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150g brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz 113g cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Roll & Fill
- Roll out the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Step 6: Second Rise
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 9: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and enjoy these gooey, decadent treats!
Use warm milk (not hot!) – Hot milk can kill the yeast.
Let the dough rise fully – This ensures light, fluffy rolls.
Don’t overbake – Bake until just golden to keep them soft.