Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a beautiful and indulgent twist on classic homemade cinnamon rolls. They combine the soft, fluffy texture of traditional rolls with the subtle cocoa flavor and vibrant red color of red velvet cake. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for holidays, brunch, or any time you want an impressive homemade treat.
Soft on the inside, lightly sweet, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor, these rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the frosting gently melts into the swirls.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- Warm milk
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Melted butter
- Salt
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Red food coloring
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Filling
- Softened butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese, softened
- Butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active. Add the melted butter, salt, eggs, sour cream, and red food coloring, mixing until well combined.
Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside while the dough finishes rising.
Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into equal-sized rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again until puffy.
Bake
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until they are fully cooked, soft, and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add a small amount of milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Finish and Serve
Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, allowing it to melt into the swirls. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Let the dough rise fully for soft, fluffy rolls.
- Frost the rolls while they are still warm so the icing melts into the layers.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of classic comfort and festive flair. With their striking color, soft texture, warm cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, they are guaranteed to impress whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a special celebration.