By Bring Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls captures the essence of breads & pastries while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (gel preferred, amount to achieve desired color)
Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin icing)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Roll Up and Cut: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
Second Rise: Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make Icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk to thin the icing if desired.
Serve: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min | Servings: 10 | Calories: ~260 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
