The perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor, cinnamon warmth, and velvety texture, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake with a romantic twist. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy holiday brunch or treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning, these soft swirls topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze feel like a bakery indulgence—without the complicated steps. This recipe transforms the classic cinnamon roll into something even more luxurious. With the red velvet base bringing visual drama and rich taste, and the filling offering that familiar brown sugar-cinnamon hug, the rolls bake into soft perfection every time. It’s the kind of recipe you make once—and keep making forever.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tbsp red food coloring
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1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp milk (more if needed for drizzling consistency)
Directions:
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Add the yeast mixture and stir.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
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Roll out dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 even rolls.
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.
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While baking, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy and pourable.
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Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time) | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
Background of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a rich, indulgent twist on two beloved baked goods—classic red velvet cake and soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. Originating from the Southern United States, red velvet cake gained popularity in the early 20th century, often highlighted for its deep crimson color and smooth cocoa flavor. Combining that flavor profile with the warm, spiced layers of a cinnamon roll brings together the best of both worlds in one mouthwatering pastry.
This creative hybrid recipe is perfect for celebrations, holiday mornings, Valentine’s Day, or weekend brunches. Its eye-catching appearance, soft and tender dough, and sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting make it a standout dish, both in flavor and presentation. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a coffee pairing snack, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls add a touch of decadence to any table.
Why These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best
What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is not just their bold color but the incredible depth of flavor. The dough is enriched with cocoa powder and food coloring to mimic the essence of red velvet cake. It’s soft, pillowy, and rises beautifully for a bakery-style finish. The cinnamon-sugar filling swirls inside the dough to create a classic gooey center with a hint of spice that complements the subtle chocolate tones of the dough.
The frosting truly seals the deal. A luscious cream cheese glaze is spread generously over the warm rolls, adding just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness. This combination of flavors and textures—soft and fluffy dough, caramelized cinnamon swirl, and creamy topping—makes each bite completely satisfying.
These rolls are also versatile. You can prepare them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning, making them ideal for entertaining guests or surprising loved ones with a special breakfast. They’re easy enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers and foodies alike.
Perfect for Celebrations and Special Occasions
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are made for moments that call for something extra special. Their vibrant red hue naturally makes them an attractive treat for festive holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and especially Valentine’s Day. They are also a fun and colorful addition to birthday brunches, bridal showers, baby showers, or a romantic breakfast in bed.
Beyond their aesthetics, these rolls evoke a sense of warmth and love. The process of making them—kneading the dough, allowing it to rise, carefully spreading the filling, and frosting them fresh out of the oven—turns baking into a mindful and rewarding activity. It’s not just about the final product, but the joy of creating something from scratch to share with others.
Healthier Alternatives and Ingredient Swaps
While this recipe leans into indulgence, there are ways to lighten it up without compromising flavor. For a healthier version, try substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar. Greek yogurt can be used in the dough to add moisture and protein. You can also reduce the sugar in the cream cheese frosting or opt for a drizzle instead of a full layer for a lighter topping.
If you’re avoiding artificial dyes, natural food coloring from beet juice or pomegranate juice can provide a similar red hue without synthetic ingredients. Plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese can be used to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly while still achieving the same indulgent texture.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Getting perfect cinnamon rolls comes down to technique and timing. Make sure the yeast is properly activated—warm milk (not hot) and a bit of sugar will get it going. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space until it has doubled in size. Rolling out the dough evenly and not overfilling it with butter or sugar will help it bake uniformly.
Use dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the dough into rolls cleanly. This ensures a nice spiral and prevents squishing. When baking, cover with foil halfway through if the tops begin browning too quickly. And always frost while warm, so the glaze melts into the crevices for that gooey, irresistible finish.
The Importance of Texture in Cinnamon Rolls
Texture is key when it comes to cinnamon rolls. The ideal roll is soft, slightly chewy on the edges, and gooey in the center. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls take that standard to the next level. The cocoa in the dough adds a subtle richness, while the butter and brown sugar filling melts into a caramel-like consistency during baking. The tangy cream cheese frosting softens the top layer, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
This texture contrast—from the tender crumb of the roll to the silky smoothness of the frosting—creates a sensory experience that’s both nostalgic and luxurious. It’s what keeps people coming back for seconds, or even thirds.
Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, cappuccino, or a chai latte. The richness of the rolls complements the bitterness of coffee, while spiced teas enhance the cinnamon flavor. For a dessert-style presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
To make them extra special for brunch, plate them with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant contrast. You can even drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed pecans for added texture. They’re also delicious eaten cold the next day—or warmed up briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Variations and Flavor Combinations
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. For a festive holiday version, add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the filling. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the swirl for extra richness. Some bakers enjoy incorporating a cheesecake filling for a dessert hybrid that takes indulgence to the next level.
Want a tangier glaze? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting. Or try substituting maple syrup for vanilla in the glaze for a warmer, more autumn-inspired flavor. The base dough can also be adapted for different uses—think red velvet sticky buns or red velvet babka.
What Makes This Recipe So Loved
Part of the magic of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls lies in their ability to feel both nostalgic and fresh. They remind us of homemade cinnamon rolls from childhood but bring a modern, colorful twist with their red hue and chocolatey notes. They satisfy the sweet tooth while still feeling refined and special.
Their popularity comes not only from their taste but also from their visual appeal. Red velvet’s signature red-and-white contrast makes these rolls practically made for Instagram and Pinterest. They stand out on any table, drawing people in before they even take the first bite.
A Great Recipe for Beginner and Experienced Bakers
Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home cook, this recipe is approachable and fun to make. The dough is forgiving, and the steps are easy to follow. Plus, watching the rolls rise and brown in the oven and then drizzling them with smooth frosting is a satisfying process that brings joy to the kitchen.
This is also a great recipe to make with kids or as a couple’s baking project. From rolling out the dough to spreading the filling and frosting the final product, there’s plenty of hands-on fun to enjoy together. It’s a great way to introduce someone to baking while creating a treat that’s sure to be devoured.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration in pastry form. With their tender red dough, swirled cinnamon filling, and velvety cream cheese frosting, they hit all the right notes: flavor, texture, and beauty. Whether you’re serving them for a romantic breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply because you want to bake something special, they’ll make any moment feel more indulgent.