These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls. Their vibrant crimson color, paired with a creamy cream cheese frosting, makes them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls bring a festive touch to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special celebration or a cozy weekend treat, their soft, fluffy texture and rich filling are sure to impress. The optional mini chocolate chips add an extra layer of sweetness, elevating this already irresistible dish.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-4 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Directions:
- Combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, if desired. Roll into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter for frosting until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Spread frosting generously over slightly cooled rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving
Servings: 12
The Story Behind Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a warm cinnamon roll, you know how comforting and delightful they can be. Now, imagine taking that experience to the next level with the vibrant, indulgent flavor of red velvet. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, soft texture of traditional cinnamon rolls with the rich, moist, and slightly tangy taste of red velvet cake. Topped off with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
The red velvet cake, a dessert with roots dating back to the 1920s, has become synonymous with decadent indulgence. Its signature color and unique flavor balance—thanks to a touch of cocoa powder and buttermilk—has captivated dessert lovers for generations. By merging the magic of red velvet with the classic cinnamon roll, this recipe brings together two iconic comfort foods to create a truly heavenly dessert.
Perfect for a cozy brunch, holiday gatherings, or even just an afternoon treat, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite. Whether you are a fan of red velvet or cinnamon rolls, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and make you fall in love with the combination of both.
Why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best
- The Perfect Fusion of Two Classics
This recipe takes the best elements of two beloved desserts and combines them in one irresistibly decadent roll. The cinnamon rolls are a timeless favorite with their soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon filling. Adding red velvet not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fun and festive visual appeal that is perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re making them for a birthday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these rolls are guaranteed to make your day extra special.
- A Gorgeous and Vibrant Dessert
The deep red color of these cinnamon rolls is not only visually striking but also adds a level of sophistication and elegance to the dish. The rich color, created with food coloring, is synonymous with the iconic red velvet cake and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls will stand out on any dessert table, making them a perfect addition to holiday dinners, brunches, or even a casual gathering. The contrast of the warm, golden-brown rolls and the bright, creamy frosting adds a layer of beauty to their already decadent nature.
- Comforting Yet Elevated
Comfort food is all about nostalgia and indulgence, and there’s no better way to do that than with cinnamon rolls. However, with this recipe, we take the humble cinnamon roll and elevate it to a whole new level. The rich, velvety flavor of red velvet combined with the creamy cream cheese frosting makes these rolls the ultimate indulgence. They’re soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of sweetness—making them a delicious treat, whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or just as a snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Easy to Make and Customize
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s relatively simple to prepare and can be easily customized. You can adjust the level of sweetness, or even omit the mini chocolate chips if you want to keep the recipe more traditional. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the rolls the night before, store them in the fridge overnight, and then bake them the next morning. You can also experiment with the cream cheese frosting—add a little more vanilla for a richer flavor, or even mix in some lemon zest for an extra twist.
- Ideal for Special Occasions
There’s no better way to make a breakfast or brunch extra special than by serving a batch of homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Their bright color makes them a perfect fit for holiday celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even birthdays. With a touch of cream cheese frosting, they feel both decadent and comforting, making them a perfect treat for family and friends. Plus, they’re the type of dish that everyone will rave about and ask for the recipe!
Healthier Modifications (Optional)
While Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are certainly a treat, there are ways to make them a little bit healthier without compromising on flavor. Here are a few ideas for modifying the recipe to suit your dietary preferences:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. This may alter the texture slightly, but it will still taste great!
- Greek Yogurt: For the cream cheese frosting, you can try substituting Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture. This also adds a bit of tang that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
- Reduce Sugar: If you want to cut back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor slightly, but it will still make a delicious treat.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, you can use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free butter substitute. For the cream cheese frosting, there are plenty of plant-based cream cheese options available that work wonderfully in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:
- Classic Style: Serve them warm with a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top. They are perfect for a brunch or dessert table.
- With a Side of Fruit: Pair these rolls with a fresh fruit salad or some sliced strawberries to add a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the rolls.
- As a Dessert: These rolls make a perfect dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For Special Occasions: Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Christmas, or a special family gathering, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Their beautiful red color and delightful flavor will make any event feel even more special.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to bring a little extra joy to your day, there’s no better option than these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. They combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the elegance and rich flavor of red velvet, creating a truly special dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, these rolls will impress everyone around you. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer endless customization options, making them a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So go ahead, bake a batch today, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these decadent, delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!
