These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich with a hint of cocoa, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. The deep red color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or anytime you want a special breakfast or dessert that feels bakery-style but is easy to make at home. They’re tender, sweet, and completely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re soft and fluffy with a beautiful red velvet color.
- The cocoa adds depth without tasting like chocolate cake.
- The cream cheese frosting melts perfectly over warm rolls.
- They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or special mornings.
- They can be prepped ahead for easy baking.
Ingredients
- Whole milk
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk until slightly warm, not hot.Stir in yeast and a teaspoon of sugar.Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix yeast mixture, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring.Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt.Mix until a soft dough forms.Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a large rectangle.Spread cinnamon filling evenly over dough.Roll tightly into a log and cut into rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place rolls into a greased baking dish.Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly set.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overheat the milk or the yeast will not activate.
- Use gel food coloring for a deeper red color.
- If the dough feels sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
- For extra soft rolls, slightly underbake and let them finish setting in the pan.
- Cover loosely with foil if rolls brown too fast.
Variations
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling
- Use maple frosting instead of cream cheese
- Make heart-shaped rolls for Valentine’s Day
- Add orange zest to the frosting
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for breakfast or dessert.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Add fresh strawberries on the side.
- Perfect for brunch tables and holidays.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked rolls tightly wrapped.
Do they taste like chocolate?
No, the cocoa adds flavor but keeps the classic cinnamon roll taste.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the activation step and mix directly with dry ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, festive, and perfect for special occasions. With their rich color, warm cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, they’re guaranteed to impress family and guests