Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough: 1 cup warm milk (110°F), 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk at room temperature, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp red food coloring.; Cinnamon Filling: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup brown sugar, packed, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon.; Cream Cheese Icing: 4 oz cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency).

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a luxurious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With soft, red velvet dough wrapped around a sweet cinnamon filling, each roll is topped with a rich, creamy icing. Ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or as an anytime treat, this recipe combines the bold color and light cocoa notes of red velvet with the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll. Serve warm for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The recipe takes traditional cinnamon rolls to the next level by incorporating red velvet flavors, with a hint of cocoa and the signature vibrant red color. Each roll is filled with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling, creating a soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a creamy cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for festive gatherings or weekend brunches.

INGREDIENTS

Warm Milk: 1 cup at 110°F, to activate the yeast and add moisture
Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ tsp, to help the dough rise
Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness in the dough
Melted Butter: ¼ cup, for richness and softness in the dough
Egg and Egg Yolk: 1 large egg plus 1 yolk at room temperature, for structure and richness
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, to form the dough
Cocoa Powder: 1 tbsp, for the classic red velvet flavor
Salt: 1 tsp, to balance the sweetness
Red Food Coloring: 1 tsp, to give the dough its signature red hue
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, softened, for the cinnamon filling
Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, for sweetness in the filling
Ground Cinnamon: 2 tbsp, for flavor in the filling
Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened, for the icing
Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups, to sweeten the icing
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the icing
Milk: 2-3 tbsp, to adjust the icing consistency

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2:: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk, then add the yeast mixture. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 3:: In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4:: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly from one of the long edges and cut into 1 ½ to 2-inch slices. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Step 5:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden on top. Let cool slightly.
Step 6:: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually add milk to reach desired consistency.
Step 7:: Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.

Helpful Notes

Adding a pinch of salt to the icing can balance sweetness.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Use high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the red velvet flavor.

Enjoy the Rich and Comforting Flavor of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine a visually stunning red hue with the familiar comfort of cinnamon and cream cheese flavors. A perfect treat for a leisurely brunch or as a delightful dessert.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made the night before and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can omit the food coloring, although the rolls won’t have the signature red hue of red velvet.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overbake, and cover with foil if the tops are browning too quickly.

Summary

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing elevate traditional cinnamon rolls by adding a red velvet twist. The dough, colored and subtly flavored with cocoa, is filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture and then rolled to perfection. Once baked, they are topped with a creamy cream cheese icing that melts into every layer, providing a rich and decadent finish. Ideal for breakfasts, brunches, or special treats, these cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and deliciously indulgent. The red velvet hue adds a festive and elegant touch, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to make breakfast extraordinary.