Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 12 Steps to Decadent Delight

February 10, 2026

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls have become a favorite dessert in my household, especially during the holidays. The rich red color and the delightful aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen remind me of joyful family gatherings. Every bite is a soft, fluffy explosion of flavor, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. I still remember the first time I made these; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how they tasted like a warm hug! With the perfect balance of sweetness and a slight cocoa undertone, these rolls are simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft and fluffy texture
Unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls
Perfect for breakfast or dessert
Great for sharing at parties or gatherings
Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll recipe even for beginners
Kids will love these colorful treats!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s everything you need for these delightful rolls:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for the rolls
¾ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the dough
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast – for leavening
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the rolls rise
½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
½ cup whole milk, warmed – keeps the dough moist
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness
2 large eggs – binds the ingredients
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – for flavor
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder – gives a chocolatey hint
1 ½ teaspoons red food coloring – for that signature red hue
½ cup packed brown sugar – for sweetness in the filling
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – the star of the filling
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) – makes the filling creamy
Cream cheese frosting – for topping (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and half of the sugar mixture.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Pour this mixture into the yeast mixture.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 6: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.
Step 8: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape (about 16×12 inches) on a floured surface.
Step 9: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough and then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
Step 10: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.
Step 11: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 12: Place the cinnamon rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 13: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 14: After the second rise, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 15: Allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before topping them with cream cheese frosting.

Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting, ready to be enjoyed

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the rising time; it makes a huge difference in fluffiness.
For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips to the filling.

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in the dough’s texture. It should be soft but not sticky. Kneading it until elastic is key to achieving that perfect roll.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising, and avoid over-kneading the dough to keep it tender. Also, don’t rush the rising process.

Close-up of freshly baked Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with melted cream cheese frosting

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting treat!

Nutrition Facts for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Per serving (recipe makes 12 servings):

Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze these rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Can I freeze Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls different?

The unique combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives these rolls their distinct flavor and color, setting them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.

Can I use different fillings for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fillings like Nutella, cream cheese, or even fruit preserves for a different twist.

Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls suitable for special diets?

These rolls can be adapted for various dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives in the ingredients.

Variations of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

Get creative with your rolls! Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling, or try using a cream cheese filling instead of the traditional cinnamon mixture. You can also make mini versions for bite-sized treats or experiment with different frostings like vanilla or caramel.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: 12 Steps to Decadent Delight

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Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with a creamy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons red food coloring
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and half of the sugar mixture.
In another bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Pour this mixture into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape (about 16×12 inches) on a floured surface.
Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough and then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Place the cinnamon rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
After the second rise, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before topping them with cream cheese frosting.