Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the warm, comforting essence of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Their soft texture and creamy cream cheese icing make them an irresistible choice for any gathering.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Red Velvet Dough
• Cinnamon Filling
• Cream Cheese Icing
• How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Mix Ingredients
• Step 3: Knead the Dough
• Step 4: Let It Rise
• Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling
• Step 6: Roll Out Dough
• Step 7: Form Rolls
• Step 8: Second Rise
• Step 9: Bake
• Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Icing
• Step 11: Ice Your Rolls
• How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• For Breakfast or Brunch
• As a Dessert
• 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
• How do I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?
• Can I use store-bought dough for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• What if my dough doesn’t rise?
• Can I customize my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• How do I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon delivers a unique taste experience that is both sweet and spicy.
• Easy to Follow: With clear instructions and simple steps, even novice bakers can master these rolls.
• Festive Appearance: Their vibrant red color makes them a stunning addition to any holiday table or celebration.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a breakfast treat, dessert, or special brunch item; they fit perfectly into various dining occasions.
• Gooey Cream Cheese Icing: The icing melts into the warm rolls, creating a deliciously gooey finish that everyone loves.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools and prepare your space for baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easy and ensures the dough is mixed properly without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients while keeping everything organized.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon roll shapes.

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!

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

Cinnamon Filling

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

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

Warm the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should have a bright red color.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Preheat your oven to 200°F and turn it off. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in the warm oven for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Roll out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to reach all edges.

Step 7: Form Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from one short side to form a log. Trim any uneven ends. Cut this log into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife.

Step 8: Second Rise

Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray. Arrange the rolls in the pan close together. Cover again with a towel and let rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around rolls in the pan before placing it in the oven. Bake for about 25-27 minutes until tops are lightly golden or center reaches at least 160°F.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Icing

While baking, beat cream cheese and butter on high speed using a hand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then mix in vanilla extract and milk until you achieve spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Ice Your Rolls

Spread icing over warm rolls right after they come out of the oven so that it melts into them for an extra gooey finish!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer a unique twist that everyone will enjoy.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with a rich cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast and complements the cinnamon flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly dollop whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Warm the rolls slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the cream cheese icing for an extra sweet finish.
• Berries on Top: Fresh berries can add color and a slight tartness that pairs well with the sweet flavors.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your red velvet cinnamon rolls is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for soft, fluffy rolls every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your dairy products are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough and enhances flavor.
• Knead Thoroughly: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this develops gluten and gives structure.
• Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise until doubled in size, which results in lighter rolls.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking; this prevents under or overcooking.
• Fresh Yeast: Always use fresh yeast for optimal rise; expired yeast can lead to dense rolls.

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Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Orange Juice: A bright and citrusy drink that balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, this parfait offers crunch and freshness alongside your cinnamon rolls.
3. Savory Eggs: Scrambled or poached eggs provide protein and counterbalance the sweetness of the dessert-like rolls.
4. Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon creates a delicious contrast with the soft, sweet cinnamon rolls.
5. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle enhances the flavor profile while keeping things simple yet delicious.
6. Chai Tea Latte: The spiced notes of chai tea complement the cinnamon rolls beautifully, creating a cozy beverage option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making red velvet cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can hinder yeast activation. Always bring dairy ingredients to room temperature before starting.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour can lead to dry rolls. Use the spoon and level method or weigh your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size as directed.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten too much, resulting in tough rolls. Mix until just combined and smooth.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven varies; check your rolls a few minutes early. Overbaking leads to dry cinnamon rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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.
• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?

You can make red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch by following the detailed recipe provided above. It includes making the dough with red food dye and filling it with cinnamon sugar.

Can I use store-bought dough for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! You can simplify your process by using store-bought dough. Just add cocoa powder and red food dye to create that iconic red velvet flavor.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm milk (around 110°F) for activation.

Can I customize my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can add cream cheese filling or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Try different toppings like nuts or different icing flavors!

How do I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences!