Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Beautifully Indulgent
What happens when you take the classic decadence of red velvet and combine it with the cozy, irresistible swirl of a cinnamon roll? Pure magic. These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, combining a velvety, cocoa-kissed dough with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch spreads, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these rolls are as stunning as they are delicious. The dough is soft, pillowy, and slightly chocolatey, while the buttery cinnamon filling brings comforting warmth to every bite. And that cream cheese glaze? It melts into the rolls for the ultimate finishing touch.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to cinnamon roll perfection—with a red velvet twist.
Ingredients
- For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F / 45°C
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 –3 tsp red gel food coloring
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tbsp milk or more as needed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
- Add:
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- Red food coloring
- Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Set aside at room temperature.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, slightly spaced apart.
- Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whisk until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the warm rolls generously with cream cheese glaze.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly goodness!
Notes
🌟 Variations
1. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for extra chocolatey indulgence. 2. Valentine’s Version
Top with heart-shaped sprinkles or red sugar crystals after glazing. 3. Nutty Delight
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. 4. Espresso Twist
Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the filling for a mocha flavor. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing. Reheating:
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. 🙋♀️ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Proof it in warm milk and sugar until foamy before proceeding. 2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking. 3. What’s the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough. 4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives. 5. Is the red food coloring necessary?
It enhances the red velvet look but is optional for flavor. 6. Can I add cocoa to the filling?
Absolutely! A light dusting of cocoa powder adds depth. 7. Can I use bread flour?
Yes, it will give the rolls a slightly chewier texture. 8. What if I don't have buttermilk?
Substitute with regular milk and add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. 9. Can I make mini rolls?
Yes! Cut the dough into smaller pieces and reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes. 10. How do I prevent my rolls from being dry?
Don’t overbake! Pull them out when they're just golden on top. ✨ Conclusion
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for making any day feel like a special occasion. With their pillowy texture, rich cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next brunch, holiday breakfast, or cozy weekend baking session. Once you taste them warm from the oven, you’ll know exactly why we call them heavenly. ❤️🍫🍥
1. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for extra chocolatey indulgence. 2. Valentine’s Version
Top with heart-shaped sprinkles or red sugar crystals after glazing. 3. Nutty Delight
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. 4. Espresso Twist
Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the filling for a mocha flavor. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing. Reheating:
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. 🙋♀️ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Proof it in warm milk and sugar until foamy before proceeding. 2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking. 3. What’s the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough. 4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives. 5. Is the red food coloring necessary?
It enhances the red velvet look but is optional for flavor. 6. Can I add cocoa to the filling?
Absolutely! A light dusting of cocoa powder adds depth. 7. Can I use bread flour?
Yes, it will give the rolls a slightly chewier texture. 8. What if I don't have buttermilk?
Substitute with regular milk and add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. 9. Can I make mini rolls?
Yes! Cut the dough into smaller pieces and reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes. 10. How do I prevent my rolls from being dry?
Don’t overbake! Pull them out when they're just golden on top. ✨ Conclusion
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for making any day feel like a special occasion. With their pillowy texture, rich cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next brunch, holiday breakfast, or cozy weekend baking session. Once you taste them warm from the oven, you’ll know exactly why we call them heavenly. ❤️🍫🍥