Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with warm cinnamon spice, resulting in soft, fluffy rolls topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these visually stunning rolls offer a cozy indulgence that’s easy to customize for any taste or dietary preference.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar to activate. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a warm spot, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well mixed, creating a spiced, rich filling.
- Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around edges.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even slices with clean cuts to keep swirls defined.
- Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan, spacing evenly. Cover and let rise until puffed and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until tops are lightly browned and centers are cooked but moist.
- Frost and Serve: While baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, for proper yeast activation.
- Knead dough well for tender but structured texture.
- Roll dough evenly for consistent baking of rolls.
- Check rolls early during baking to avoid drying out.
- Be generous with cream cheese frosting for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: red velvet, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, brunch, dessert, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls