If you’re craving something that perfectly blends the rich cocoa flavors with a touch of sweetness and a swirl of cinnamon, look no further than Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful treat takes the beloved classic cinnamon roll and infuses it with the vibrant color and subtle chocolatey note of red velvet, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen rookie, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a deliciously unique twist that’s sure to impress family and friends alike with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A festive treat: The deep red color adds a stunning, eye-catching look perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Decadent flavor fusion: Combining the classic cinnamon roll spices with the smooth cocoa undertones of red velvet for a unique taste.
Soft, fluffy texture: Tender dough baked to perfection ensures each bite is light and pillowy.
Perfectly sweet: Just the right amount of sweetness balances the cinnamon and chocolate notes effortlessly.
Easy to customize: The recipe adapts well to different frostings or fillings for your ideal flavor combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is key for achieving the rich, sweet flavor of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Each item plays an essential role in giving the dough its softness, the filling its warmth, and the rolls their signature red hue.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the dough the perfect softness and chew.
Cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate flavor essential to red velvet’s uniqueness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling to balance the cocoa and spices.
Active dry yeast: Ensures the dough rises properly, creating fluffy rolls.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tanginess and tenderizes the dough for softness.
Butter: Used in the dough and filling for richness and moist texture.
Eggs: Help bind ingredients together and enrich dough consistency.
Cinnamon: The star spice in the filling that creates the warm, comforting flavor.
Red food coloring: Gives the rolls their iconic red velvet appearance.
Cream cheese frosting: A tangy, smooth topping that perfectly complements the rolls.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.

Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to get creative or adjust the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs. This is an easy treat to customize whether you want to experiment with fillings or adapt for specific diets.

Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer to make this treat animal-friendly.
Spiced flavor: Incorporate nutmeg or cloves into the filling alongside cinnamon for a warming aromatic boost.
Chocolate overload: Add mini chocolate chips inside the filling for a gooey surprise.
Orange zest: Mix fresh orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy contrast that brightens the rolls.

Why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try Treat

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast in warm buttermilk, then combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and red food coloring to create a soft, pliable dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size, usually about an hour.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until combined into a spreadable paste. This filling will be generously layered on the dough for that classic cinnamon roll swirl infused with cinnamon warmth.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to form a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover every corner for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, then slice into even pieces around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased pan with space to allow for a second rise.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Let the rolled dough rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled slightly, generously spread or drizzle cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve fresh and enjoy the perfect balance of rich red velvet flavor with the beloved cinnamon roll texture.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Accurate measurement: Use a kitchen scale for flour to ensure the dough isn’t too dry or sticky.
Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs, butter, and buttermilk at room temperature helps integrate flavors and improve dough texture.
Don’t skip the second rise: This crucial step helps create soft, airy rolls with perfect layers.
Even filling spread: Spread the cinnamon mixture close to the edges to avoid dry spots.
Watch the bake time: Overbaking can dry out rolls; aim for just golden and cooked through.
Warm rolls for frosting: Spread cream cheese frosting while rolls are warm so it melts slightly into the layers.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Top your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with a light dusting of powdered sugar or chopped festive nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and presentation. Fresh berries or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these luscious rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad, a cup of rich coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate to make brunch or dessert a complete, satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a cake stand for an inviting centerpiece, or serve individually wrapped for gifts and parties. You can also layer rolls with extra frosting between for fun “stacked” desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness without drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and melt the frosting slightly for that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls difficult to make?

Not at all! While the process involves a few steps like rising and rolling, the recipe is straightforward and accessible even for those new to baking cinnamon rolls.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls without food coloring?

You can, but using red food coloring gives the rolls their signature vibrant look that sets them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary?

Cream cheese frosting complements the slight cocoa and cinnamon flavors perfectly, but you can also use vanilla glaze or buttercream if preferred.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives, you can enjoy vegan Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls without sacrificing taste or texture.

How long do Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls keep fresh?

They are best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature or refrigerated within 4 days, after which they might lose their softness.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a truly special treat that brings a festive twist to a beloved classic. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself on a lazy morning, these rolls deliver a perfect harmony of soft, sweet, and spicy flavors with a stunning appearance. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls have stolen the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere!

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of cocoa and cinnamon with a vibrant red color, creating soft, fluffy rolls perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This festive treat blends classic cinnamon roll spices with the smooth cocoa undertones of red velvet dough, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for a deliciously unique twist that impresses every time.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp red food coloring

Filling Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty variation)
Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate overload variation)

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tsp fresh orange zest (for citrus variation)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm buttermilk. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, red food coloring, and the yeast-buttermilk mixture. Mix and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until combined into a spreadable paste. For optional variations, fold in nuts or mini chocolate chips.
Roll and Fill the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, ensuring it reaches close to the edges for full flavor coverage.
Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1 to 1.5 inch thick rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving space for a second rise.
Second Rise and Bake: Allow the rolls to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly. Spread or drizzle cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Optionally, mix orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy note. Serve fresh and enjoy.

Notes

Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately for best dough consistency.
Bring eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing.
Do not skip the second rise to achieve soft, airy rolls with perfect layers.
Spread the cinnamon filling close to the edges to avoid dry spots.
Watch baking time carefully; overbaking can dry the rolls.
Apply frosting while rolls are still warm to allow it to melt slightly into the layers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat rolls in microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, red velvet dessert, cinnamon roll recipe, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, festive rolls