If you’re looking to take your cinnamon roll game to the next level, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat. Combining the richness and vibrancy of red velvet cake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, this dessert is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The soft, fluffy dough is infused with the unmistakable red velvet flavor, and the sweet cinnamon-sugar filling adds just the right amount of spice. Topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to wow your guests and leave everyone asking for more.

Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, holiday breakfast, or simply as an indulgent afternoon snack, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they combine the best of two beloved desserts in one delicious roll. They’re the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory with a texture so soft and fluffy, it’s hard to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopper that not only tastes amazing but also brings a pop of color to your breakfast or dessert spread. The unique flavor profile combines the creamy richness of red velvet with the classic, cozy taste of cinnamon rolls. With just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and tang, these rolls will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve soft, pillowy rolls. The cream cheese frosting adds the finishing touch, making every bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday breakfast, or treating yourself to something special, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are sure to steal the show.

Ingredients

For the dough:

Red velvet cake mix
Active dry yeast
Warm water
All-purpose flour
Sugar
Salt

For the filling:

Butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon

For the topping:

Cream cheese frosting

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutty Rolls: For a crunchy twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Different Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use a vanilla glaze or even whipped cream cheese for a lighter topping.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and cream cheese frosting with plant-based versions, and use a dairy-free red velvet cake mix for a vegan-friendly option.
Stuffed Rolls: Add a layer of marshmallows or even a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the dough before rolling it up for a gooey, extra-special treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, active dry yeast, and warm water. Stir well and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Make sure to cover the surface with an even layer for a balanced flavor in each bite.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, cut the dough into 12 even slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they are still warm, allowing it to melt into every crevice. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Active Yeast: Make sure the water is warm (but not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
Flour the Surface: Be generous with the flour when rolling out the dough to avoid it sticking to your work surface.
Even Slicing: For evenly sized rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into slices. This prevents squishing the rolls, keeping them fluffy.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is key for easily spreading the filling across the dough without tearing it.
Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls toward the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown on top, but not overly crispy.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with the cream cheese frosting generously drizzled on top. They make a decadent breakfast, a delicious dessert, or even a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve them alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat the cinnamon rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. If reheating from frozen, bake them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can substitute red velvet cake mix with other flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, for a different take on cinnamon rolls.

2. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?

Yeast is essential to achieving the soft, fluffy texture of traditional cinnamon rolls. If you want a quicker version, consider using a baking powder-based dough, but it won’t have the same texture.

3. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, roll it out, add the filling, and bake.

4. Can I freeze these rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. After slicing them and placing them in a baking dish, cover and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 30 minutes before baking.

5. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting can be used as a substitute, but cream cheese frosting complements the red velvet flavor beautifully.

6. How can I make these rolls more festive?

For a festive touch, add a dash of vanilla extract to the frosting or sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for extra flair.

7. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the rolls should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but this may change the texture slightly, making the rolls denser.

9. Can I make these rolls in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan, but you may need to modify the baking time if the rolls are more spread out or stacked higher in the pan.

10. Can I add nuts or fruit to the filling?

Yes, feel free to experiment with adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect combination of two classic desserts, bringing the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake together with the beloved cinnamon roll. With their soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and indulgent cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a treat that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast, a brunch gathering, or simply indulging in something sweet, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.