Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate in breakfast indulgence with these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with cream cheese frosting, these delectable treats combine rich flavors and stunning color to create a dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’ll leave you and your guests longing for more. Bake up some joy today!

Hayley Morton

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:24:07.643Z

These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Bursting with flavor and visually stunning, they are the perfect addition to any special breakfast or brunch.

A Perfect Breakfast Treat

These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just an ordinary breakfast item; they are a celebration of flavors and colors that can transform a simple morning into a festive occasion. The unique combination of red velvet cake and traditional cinnamon roll elements brings a delightful twist to your breakfast repertoire. With their soft texture and rich taste, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends, making them an ideal choice for special gatherings or brunch events.

What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is the sensational cream cheese frosting that you’ll drizzle on top after baking. The tangy flavor of the frosting complements the sweet cinnamon filling beautifully, elevating the overall indulgence. Each bite offers a heavenly experience of sweetness, delightfully balanced with a slight tang, creating a treat that’s difficult to resist. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day worthy of a celebration, these rolls can add a touch of enchantment to your breakfast spread.

Why Red Velvet?

Red velvet is more than just a color; it symbolizes richness and decadence in desserts. Typically associated with cakes, this flavor has made its way into various recipes, including our beloved cinnamon rolls. The incorporation of cocoa powder gives these rolls a mild chocolate flavor, while the red food coloring provides a stunning visual appeal that makes them a standout choice for any dessert table.

Moreover, the vibrant red hue has an emotional connection, often linked to love and celebrations. Including red velvet in your breakfast treats offers not just a delicious taste but also an aesthetic experience that can spark joy and delight. With these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you can impress your guests and bring a smile to everyone’s face, making breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure that your milk is warm but not too hot; it should feel warm to the touch. This is critical for activating the yeast effectively. If the milk is too hot, it may kill the yeast, resulting in dense rolls. Likewise, using fresh yeast can significantly improve the rise and texture of your rolls, so check the expiration date before use.

When rolling and cutting the dough, use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to create clean edges. This helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of the rolls as they expand while baking. Additionally, if you want to make ahead, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after cutting. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking to achieve the perfect fluffiness.

Ingredients

    Dough

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1 packet active dry yeast
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • 1/4 cup butter, melted
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp red food coloring
    • 1/2 tsp salt

    Filling

    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp cinnamon
    • 1/4 cup butter, softened

    Frosting

    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1-2 tbsp milk

    Instructions

      Prepare the Dough

      In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then, whisk in melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually add flour until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it's elastic.

      Let the Dough Rise

      Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

      Roll and Fill

      Once risen, roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly and cut into 12 pieces.

      Bake the Rolls

      Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden.

      Prepare the Frosting

      In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix in milk until desired consistency is reached.

      Frost and Serve

      Once the rolls are cool, drizzle with cream cheese frosting and serve warm.

      Storing and Freezing

      To keep your Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven or microwave before serving.

      If you've prepared the rolls with frosting, it's best to freeze them without the frosting. Frosting can become runny when thawed, so consider making it fresh and adding it right before serving for the best texture and taste. This method allows you to enjoy these delightful treats even on busy mornings or surprise guests with a delightful, homemade breakfast!

      Customization Ideas

      While the classic red velvet flavor is sure to delight, feel free to get creative! You can add various mix-ins to the dough or filling, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a unique twist. Consider pairing the cinnamon and brown sugar filling with pistachios for an unexpected crunch that complements the soft texture of the rolls beautifully.

      For added flavor, you can experiment with different extracts in your frosting. Instead of vanilla, try almond or hazelnut extract for a distinct taste. This customization will not only change the flavor profile but also allow you to cater to various preferences, making these rolls an adaptable choice for any occasion.

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      Questions About Recipes

      → Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

      Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Just let them rise in the morning before baking.

      → Can I freeze leftover rolls?

      Yes, these rolls freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

      Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

      Experience the ultimate in breakfast indulgence with these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with cream cheese frosting, these delectable treats combine rich flavors and stunning color to create a dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’ll leave you and your guests longing for more. Bake up some joy today!

      Prep Time30 minutes
      Cooking Duration25 minutes
      Overall Time55 minutes

      Created by: Hayley Morton

      Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

      Skill Level: Easy

      Final Quantity: 12 rolls

      What You'll Need

      Dough

      1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
      2. 1/2 cup sugar
      3. 1 packet active dry yeast
      4. 1/2 cup milk
      5. 1/4 cup butter, melted
      6. 1 egg
      7. 1 tsp vanilla extract
      8. 1 tbsp cocoa powder
      9. 1 tsp red food coloring
      10. 1/2 tsp salt

      Filling

      1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
      2. 1 tbsp cinnamon
      3. 1/4 cup butter, softened

      Frosting

      1. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
      2. 1/4 cup butter, softened
      3. 1 cup powdered sugar
      4. 1 tsp vanilla extract
      5. 1-2 tbsp milk

      How-To Steps

      Step 01

      In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then, whisk in melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually add flour until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it's elastic.

      Step 02

      Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

      Step 03

      Once risen, roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly and cut into 12 pieces.

      Step 04

      Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden.

      Step 05

      In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix in milk until desired consistency is reached.

      Step 06

      Once the rolls are cool, drizzle with cream cheese frosting and serve warm.

      Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

      • Total Fat: 10g
      • Saturated Fat: 5g
      • Cholesterol: 30mg
      • Sodium: 200mg
      • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
      • Dietary Fiber: 1g
      • Sugars: 15g
      • Protein: 4g