If you have a hankering for something indulgent, colorful, and utterly irresistible, you have to try this Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These vibrant rolls combine the classic warmth of cinnamon with the rich, velvety texture and striking hue of red velvet, creating a breakfast or brunch treat that feels like a celebration with every bite. Soft, gooey, and lovingly topped with tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are not only a feast for your taste buds but a joy to make from scratch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a household favorite that friends and family beg you to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful combination of simple, essential ingredients that each play a starring role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the foundation of all-purpose flour to the vibrant red food coloring that gives these rolls their signature look, every component matters in making this dish shine.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully for softness and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances the taste by balancing sweetness and rounding out the flavors.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and gives moisture to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness both in the dough and the cinnamon filling.
- Large egg: Binds the dough ingredients together and contributes to softness.
- Red food coloring: The signature red velvet pop that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, inviting undertones to the dough and icing.
- Brown sugar: Sweet caramel notes that blend perfectly with cinnamon in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with red velvet.
- Cream cheese: Essential for the luscious icing that adds tangy richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing to silky perfection.
How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mixture creates the perfect environment for the yeast to work its magic. In a separate bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm milk and watch it bloom and get frothy in about five minutes—that’s a sign your yeast is lively and ready to leaven your dough.
Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough
Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir them until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it with care for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten and ensures your rolls will be tender but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Step 3: First Rise for Fluffy Rolls
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it gently with a towel, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot. In about an hour to an hour and a half, it will puff up and double in size—this is where all the fluffiness begins!
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until combined. This rich, spiced filling is what transforms the simple dough into a bursting swirl of flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough. Starting at the long edge, roll it tight into a log, like rolling a sushi roll, then slice into 12 even pieces for perfectly portioned rolls.
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Arrange the rolls close but not touching in a greased baking dish. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 minutes until plump and puffy. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and inviting. The smell at this point is pure comfort!
Step 7: Cream Cheese Icing Finish
While your rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until fluffy. Once the rolls come out of the oven and have cooled just a bit, spread this rich icing generously on top. It melts into every swirl, creating that signature gooey, tangy finish that completes the Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe experience.
How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle the top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or dust with a little cocoa powder to play up the red velvet flavor. Fresh raspberries or edible rose petals add a beautiful, festive touch if you’re serving for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, try serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side also works wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls family-style on a wooden board or trivet to invite communal sharing. You can also warm them slightly and serve each roll in a pretty ramekin with a drizzle of extra cream cheese icing or chocolate sauce. For a charming brunch centerpiece, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—these rolls stay soft and tasty stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is okay, but be sure to bring them to room temp or warm them slightly before eating so they’re soft and gooey again.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and slicing by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise 30 minutes at room temperature, then bake as usual. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and iced rolls for convenience, then thaw and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat by microwaving individual rolls for about 20 to 30 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Adding a touch of moisture like a pat of butter or extra icing can revive that fresh-baked softness and gooey texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?
Absolutely! Beet juice or powder is a popular natural alternative that provides a lovely red hue with a subtle earthy sweetness. Just be mindful it might affect the flavor slightly and may not be quite as vibrant.
Do I have to use active dry yeast, or can I substitute instant yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast, but keep in mind it doesn’t need to be proofed in warm milk. Instead, mix it directly with the dry ingredients and adjust your liquid to keep the dough consistency right. The rise time may also be a bit shorter.
How important is it to knead the dough well?
Kneading develops gluten which gives the cinnamon rolls their soft yet elastic texture. Under-kneaded dough can be dense, while over-kneaded dough may become tough. Aim for a smooth dough that springs back when pressed lightly.
Can I make these rolls vegan-friendly?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk for a plant-based one, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and replace the egg with flax or chia egg substitutes. For the cream cheese icing, try vegan cream cheese blends to keep that luscious texture and tang.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the icing?
Powdered sugar is key to a smooth, lump-free icing. If you don’t have it, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender to make your own, or make a simple glaze by dissolving granulated sugar in a bit of warm milk, but it won’t be as creamy as classic cream cheese icing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making and sharing this Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. The process is as satisfying as the first warm, melting bite topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Whether for a joyful breakfast, special occasion, or comforting treat, these cinnamon rolls bring a burst of color and warmth into any day. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a baking experience that’s as delightful as the delicious results!
Print
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 1h 55m
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic soft and fluffy cinnamon roll texture with a stunning red velvet twist. Swirled with a rich cinnamon sugar filling and topped with smooth, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese icing, they make the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Deflate and Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough’s entire surface.
- Shape Rolls: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cinnamon rolls inside, close but not touching. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, until puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: While baking, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth in a medium bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to beat until fluffy and smooth.
- Cool and Ice: Remove rolls from oven, cool about 5 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best gooey, flavorful experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best dough rise and mixing.
- Make sure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- The red food coloring creates the classic red velvet look, but use gel food coloring for more vibrant color and less liquid.
- If dough is sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, but avoid over-flouring to keep rolls tender.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder in the filling to enhance the red velvet taste.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften icing and warm the roll.
