There’s something irresistible about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls. But when you marry that classic comfort with the deep, slightly chocolatey richness of red velvet, you create a bakery-style indulgence that’s worthy of every celebration. Enter: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—a bold, festive fusion of two beloved desserts.

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With their vibrant color, soft texture, and signature cream cheese glaze, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for occasions like Christmas brunch, Valentine’s Day, or any winter weekend that calls for cozy indulgence. If you loved our Moist Chocolate Cake or Carrot Cake Bread, you’ll fall head over heels for this twist on a classic.

These rolls are more than a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of texture, flavor, and color, capturing the eye before you even take a bite. Fans of our Moist Chocolate Cake and Carrot Cake Bread will love this new addition to their baking repertoire.

At SofyaRecipes, founded by the passionate and ever-curious culinary expert Sofya Petrova, we’re not just sharing recipes—we’re crafting stories in the kitchen. With a background rooted in global cuisines and a love for modern techniques, Sofya brings her readers accessible, inspiring recipes that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Today’s indulgent feature is a heart-stealer: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Lush, festive, and packed with cozy flavor, this recipe is an invitation to elevate your breakfast or dessert game in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients List

To make the best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm whole milk (around 110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons red food coloring (or 1 tablespoon beetroot powder)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Optional: ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom for a richer aroma
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Optional: pinch of salt or lemon zest for added balance

Substitution Suggestions:

Use gluten-free flour blend if needed (check for xanthan gum)
Almond milk and vegan butter work beautifully for a dairy-free version
Try maple syrup or coconut sugar for a less refined sweetness

These ingredients come together to create ultra-soft Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with deep flavor and stunning presentation.

Timing Breakdown

Prep Time: 45 minutes
First Rise: 1 hour
Second Rise: 35–40 minutes
Bake Time: 25–28 minutes
Glazing + Cooling: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes

For a breakfast treat that impresses, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are worth every minute. Plus, you can prep them the night before to save time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.

Troubleshooting Tip: No foam? Start again with fresh yeast. Active yeast is key for rise and softness.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, red coloring, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mix. Combine until smooth. Gradually add flour, stirring continuously or using a dough hook.

Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is elastic, smooth, and only slightly sticky. If kneading by hand, flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 3: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Pro Tip: Turn your oven on for 1 minute, then off, and let your dough rise inside for a warm environment.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional spices. Mix until it forms a paste.

Try adding finely chopped nuts or dark chocolate for added indulgence!

Step 5: Roll & Fill

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, right to the edges.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for a clean cut.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise for another 35–40 minutes. They should puff up and touch each other.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–28 minutes or until golden around the edges and firm in the center.

Don’t overbake! The rolls continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Glaze & Serve

Whip up the glaze, drizzle generously over warm Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, and enjoy every creamy bite.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Roll, approx.)

Each serving of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls provides:

Calories: 445 kcal
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 270mg

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re baking for a more health-conscious crowd, you can adapt this recipe easily:

Use Greek yogurt in the glaze instead of full cream cheese for a protein boost
Coconut oil in place of butter adds healthy fats and a slight tropical twist
Cut sugar by 25% and boost flavor with natural sweeteners

Want something simpler for weekday baking? Try our Oatmeal Banana Bread or Carrot Pineapple Bread.

Serving Suggestions

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are showstoppers, and they shine brightest in these settings:

Brunch Buffets: Pair with savory egg bakes or quiches
Holiday Morning Surprise: Add a side of Swedish Thumbprint Cookies or Classic Vanilla Cake
Special Occasion Dessert: Plate warm with ice cream and fresh berries
Edible Gifts: Wrap individually with bows and gift to neighbors or coworkers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the second rise: Your rolls won’t be light and fluffy without it
Adding too much flour: Dough should be soft, not stiff
Baking too long: Dry rolls are often a result of a few extra minutes in the oven
Not letting glaze melt: Applying glaze while rolls are hot ensures perfect coverage

Storing Tips

Room Temp: 2–3 days, airtight container
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days, reheat before eating
Freezer: Wrap unfrosted rolls in foil and freeze for 3 months
Make-Ahead Option: Shape the night before and rise overnight in the fridge

Try a batch of our Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes for easy freeze-and-thaw desserts too!ht. Let come to room temp before baking

Conclusion

With their rich cocoa flavor, cinnamon swirl, and velvety cream cheese glaze, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are everything you love about dessert and breakfast in one bite. Easy to customize, bake ahead, and share with loved ones—they’re the ultimate winter indulgence.

Try it today, leave a review, and share your twist on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deliciousness at SofyaRecipes.com.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Chill assembled rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

How can I boost the red color naturally?
Beet powder offers a deep red hue without synthetic dyes.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unfrosted rolls and glaze after reheating.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use two baking pans or a sheet pan.

Can I add toppings?
Sure! Pecans, walnuts, or even crushed Oreos are welcome additions.

Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Sweet & Festive