Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopper, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. Their unique red hue and soft, fluffy texture make them an eye-catching treat. Filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing, each bite is a delightful experience. Impress your loved ones with this delicious recipe that’s simple enough to whip up for breakfast or dessert!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Red Velvet Dough
• Cinnamon Filling
• Cream Cheese Icing
• How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Make Cinnamon Filling
• Step 3: Assemble Rolls
• Step 4: Bake Rolls
• Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing
• Step 6: Ice Rolls
• How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Enjoy with Coffee
• Add Fresh Fruits
• Serve with Ice Cream
• Drizzle with Extra Icing
• Garnish with Nuts
• How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls more flavorful?
• Can I use a different type of food dye?
• What if my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls don’t rise?
• Can I make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
• How do I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon filling creates a sweet, indulgent flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These rolls are festive and visually stunning, making them ideal for celebrations or holiday gatherings.
• Fluffy Texture: The dough is soft and airy, ensuring a light bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy icing.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these impressive rolls without hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet treat at parties; they’re sure to please everyone!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls efficiently, gather some essential tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Pastry blender (or your fingers)
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Casserole pan (9×14-inch or 9×13-inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when kneading the dough, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin makes it easier to shape the dough evenly into a rectangle for rolling.
• Casserole pan: Using a nonstick casserole pan helps achieve perfectly baked rolls without sticking.

Ingredients

These super soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas!

Red Velvet Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 full packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk in the microwave until it reaches 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized.

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should have a bright red color.

Preheat the oven to 200°F and turn it off. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, shape the dough into a ball, and place it in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in the warm oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.

Step 3: Assemble Rolls

Roll the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to reach all edges.

Roll the dough tightly from one short side to form a log. Trim any uneven ends. Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.

Spray your casserole pan with nonstick spray. Arrange the rolls in the pan, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bake Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around the rolls in the pan before placing them in the oven. Bake for 25-27 minutes until tops are lightly golden or when centers reach about 160°F.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

While baking, use a hand mixer to beat together cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract and milk until spreadable consistency is reached.

Step 6: Ice Rolls

Spread icing over warm rolls right after they come out of the oven. The warmth will help melt it into every crevice of these delicious treats!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy and vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a romantic breakfast in bed, serving them with flair can elevate the experience.

Enjoy with Coffee

• Brewed Coffee: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Espresso: Rich and bold, espresso balances the creaminess of the icing.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Banana Slices: Creamy and naturally sweet, bananas enhance the overall flavor.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on the side creates a delightful warm and cold combination.
• Cream Cheese Ice Cream: For a twist, cream cheese ice cream echoes the roll’s icing flavors.

Drizzle with Extra Icing

• Cream Cheese Icing Drizzle: A little extra icing can make each bite even more indulgent.
• Chocolate Sauce: Adds a decadent touch for chocolate lovers.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Their crunch adds texture while enhancing the flavor profile.
• Walnut Crumbles: Toasted walnuts provide a rich, nutty finish.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother dough, leading to better texture.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic ensures proper rise and fluffiness.
• Monitor Rising Time: Allow enough time for dough to rise. It should double in size for optimal lightness.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on baking; overbaking can lead to dry rolls.
• Let Them Cool Slightly Before Icing: This allows the icing to melt into the rolls without sliding off completely.

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Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing your red velvet cinnamon rolls with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and honey for added texture and flavor contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
4. Sausage Links: Savory sausage pairs well, creating a hearty breakfast spread.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a delightful crunch alongside soft cinnamon rolls.
6. Green Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie adds nutrients and brightens up your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes can ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your flour to avoid dry dough.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can hinder the dough’s rise. Let your milk, eggs, and butter sit out for about 2 hours before you start.
• Overkneading the dough: While kneading is essential, overdoing it can make the rolls tough. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
• Not allowing enough rising time: Patience is critical for fluffy rolls. Make sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size for the best texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: Ovens can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for perfect results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds; check to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a pan with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding vanilla extract to both the dough and icing. Consider using high-quality cocoa powder too.

Can I use a different type of food dye?

Yes! You can experiment with liquid red dye or even beet juice if you prefer natural coloring.

What if my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls don’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you provided a warm environment for rising. If it’s too cold, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven.

Can I make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!

How do I store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not only visually stunning but also offer a rich flavor that makes them perfect for any special occasion. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; your family and friends will love these delightful treats!