Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, these rolls feature a rich cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese icing that melts into the warm dough. The vibrant red color makes them visually stunning and adds a festive touch to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging yourself, these rolls will surely impress!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Red Velvet Dough
• Cinnamon Filling
• Cream Cheese Icing
• How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Let It Rise
• Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
• Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
• Step 5: Second Rise & Bake
• Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing
• Step 7: Ice Your Rolls
• How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• With Fresh Berries
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• On a Brunch Platter
• How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese icing?
• How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
• Can I use box cake mix for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• Why is my dough not rising?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of red velvet with cinnamon creates a unique taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, brunches, or even as a surprise treat for loved ones.
• Easily Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or toppings based on your preference, making it versatile.
• Impressive Presentation: The striking red color and creamy icing make these rolls visually appealing, perfect for sharing on social media.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Each bite is soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey goodness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender (or fingers)
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×14-inch casserole pan (or 9×13-inch baking pan)
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool simplifies the kneading process, ensuring your dough becomes perfectly smooth and elastic.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve the ideal thickness without tearing.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients effectively, allowing you to manage different components easily.

Ingredients

These super soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas!

Red Velvet Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 full packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and blend until pea-sized using a pastry blender or your fingers.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined.
4. Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic with a bright red color.

Step 2: Let It Rise

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F and then turn it off.
2. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, shape the dough into a ball, place it in the bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in the warm oven for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth paste.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough up to the edges.
3. Roll tightly from one short side to form a log shape. Trim uneven ends if necessary.
4. Cut into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife.

Step 5: Second Rise & Bake

1. Spray your casserole pan with nonstick spray. Arrange rolls in the pan, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around rolls in the pan before baking.
3. Bake for about 25-27 minutes until golden on top or when center reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

1. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth using a hand mixer.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated; then add vanilla extract and milk until spreadable.

Step 7: Ice Your Rolls

As soon as they come out of the oven, spread cream cheese icing over them while they are still warm so it melts beautifully into those fluffy rolls.

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm out of the oven!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and elevate your brunch table.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve warm red velvet cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add a decadent touch by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the cream cheese icing. This extra layer enhances the flavor and presentation.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. The warm beverage complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• For an indulgent twist, top each roll with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the rolls.

On a Brunch Platter

• Arrange the cinnamon rolls on a large platter alongside other brunch items like fruits, pastries, and cheeses for an inviting spread that’s perfect for gatherings.

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How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving the perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are some ways to ensure your rolls come out soft and flavorful every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing dairy ingredients to reach room temperature helps them blend better into the dough, creating a smoother texture.

• Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading is essential. Aim for at least 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic to develop gluten effectively.

• Let them rise properly: Ensure that the dough rises in a warm place until doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.

• Don’t skimp on butter: Using enough butter in both the dough and filling keeps the rolls moist. It also adds flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Bake just right: Keep an eye on your oven timer so that you don’t overbake. The rolls should be lightly golden on top while being soft in the middle.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing red velvet cinnamon rolls with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a hearty breakfast alongside sweet cinnamon rolls.
3. Bacon or Sausage Links: The salty crunch of crispy bacon or savory sausage links contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a light, tangy side that pairs well with rich cinnamon rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Golden brown hash browns offer a crispy texture that complements soft pastries perfectly.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add variety and sophistication to your brunch spread, pairing well with sweet flavors.
7. Mimosas: Light, bubbly mimosas can brighten up your meal while offering a refreshing contrast to rich baked goods.
8. Savory Scones: Serve up some cheesy or herb-infused scones for another layer of flavor that balances sweetness beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your red velvet cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, keep an eye on these common mistakes.

• Inaccurate Measurements: Using incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly wet dough. Always measure flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring Dough Temperature: If your ingredients are too cold, the dough won’t rise properly. Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Under-kneading the Dough: Not kneading enough can result in dense rolls. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
• Skipping the Rise Time: Rushing the rising process can prevent your rolls from being fluffy. Allow the dough to double in size for a light texture.
• Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out your rolls. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness when they are lightly golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
• For baked cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container after cooling completely and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover rolls with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds on high. Add a splash of milk to keep them moist.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a skillet with a bit of water; cover and steam on low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead, store them separately in the fridge overnight, then proceed with rolling and baking the next day.

What can I substitute for cream cheese icing?

You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even whipped cream as an alternative topping.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should have doubled in size and feel light when poked with a finger. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready!

Can I use box cake mix for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

While you can create quick versions using box mixes, homemade dough offers better flavor and texture that truly enhances your red velvet experience.

Why is my dough not rising?

If your yeast is expired or if the liquid was too hot or cold, it could affect rising. Always test yeast freshness by activating it before using.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet cinnamon rolls are not just delicious but also versatile. Perfect for special occasions or brunch gatherings, you can customize them with different fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!