Red velvet cinnamon rolls: 5 steps to pure bliss

Name: Red velvet cinnamon rolls: 5 steps to pure bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *red velvet cinnamon rolls*! They’re like a warm hug in dessert form—soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. The rich, velvety flavor, combined with the sweet, spicy cinnamon filling, makes them irresistible! I remember the first time I made these for a brunch with friends; the moment they came out of the oven, the whole house smelled like a bakery! Everyone was swooning over them, and they disappeared faster than I could serve them. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be the star of any gathering—everyone will want the secret to your deliciousness!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful red velvet cinnamon rolls. Make sure to gather everything before you start, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making your rolls a showstopper! Trust me, once you see how simple it is, you’ll be making these again and again!

How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these beautiful red velvet cinnamon rolls! I promise it’s easier than you might think. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when your rolls are ready to go in.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation of your rolls, so make sure it’s well combined! Next, add in the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. If it feels too wet, a sprinkle of flour can help!

Once your dough is ready, lightly flour a surface and knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth. Then, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Now comes the fun part—spread the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the dough! Roll it up tightly from one end to the other, and then slice it into 12 equal rolls.

Place those beautiful rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them a bit of space to rise. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re puffed and slightly golden. While they’re baking, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously spread the frosting on top and get ready for the compliments! Wow, just writing this makes me want to bake another batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These rolls come together in just about 50 minutes, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a last-minute dessert!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master these delightful treats!
Flavorful: The combination of rich red velvet and warm cinnamon will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Visually Appealing: The stunning red color and swirls of cinnamon make these rolls a showstopper on any table.
Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just because, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends!

Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why they’re a must-have in your recipe collection!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your red velvet cinnamon rolls turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you nail every step of the process.

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls, and we want them soft and fluffy!
Flour Your Surface Lightly: When kneading and rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make your rolls dense, and nobody wants that!
Keep It Tight: When rolling up the dough, make sure to roll it tightly from one end to the other. This helps create those beautiful swirls and ensures each roll is filled with that delicious cinnamon goodness!
Let Them Rise: After placing the rolls in the baking dish, let them rise for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This extra time allows them to puff up nicely, which makes for a lighter roll!
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your rolls during the last few minutes of baking. They’re done when they’re slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Frost While Warm: Don’t wait too long to frost your rolls after they come out of the oven. The warmth will help the frosting melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to cinnamon roll perfection! Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up these gorgeous red velvet cinnamon rolls, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for the ultimate experience! Trust me, the right pairings can elevate your brunch or dessert spread to a whole new level.

First off, a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate is a must! The warmth and slight bitterness of coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the rolls, while hot chocolate adds a cozy touch that’s just delightful. If you’re feeling fancy, try a vanilla latte or a chai tea for a little twist!

For a refreshing option, consider serving these rolls with a chilled glass of milk or even a creamy vanilla milkshake. The classic combination is always a hit, and kids (and adults!) will love it!

If you want to make it a complete brunch, pair your cinnamon rolls with some fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully, and they add a lovely splash of color to your table!

And don’t forget about savory options! A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the rolls and create a more rounded meal. It’s a great way to add some freshness to the mix!

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your family and friends. Enjoy every bite and sip—it’s going to be a delicious experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made these incredible red velvet cinnamon rolls and have some leftovers—lucky you! To keep them fresh and delicious, here’s how to store them properly. First, let the rolls cool completely at room temperature. Once they’re cool, grab an airtight container and place them inside. This will ensure they stay soft and moist for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for about 2 months!

When you’re ready to enjoy those rolls again, here’s the best way to reheat them. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up. If you like your rolls a little crispy, try placing them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!

And if you want to take them to the next level, drizzle a bit of extra cream cheese frosting on top after reheating. Trust me, you’ll be in cinnamon roll heaven all over again!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each delightful red velvet cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. So, here’s what you’re getting per roll:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 3g

These rolls are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation! You’ll definitely want to savor every bite of this decadent delight!

FAQ Section

Can I use regular food coloring instead of red?
Nope! The vibrant red food coloring is what gives these red velvet cinnamon rolls their signature look. If you’re worried about the dye, there are natural alternatives available, but they may not produce the same bold hue.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk on hand! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà—instant buttermilk!

How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
The best way to check is by looking for a slight golden color on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. They should also feel fluffy to the touch—if it springs back, you’re good to go!

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just let them rise for about 20 minutes before baking. Perfect for a stress-free morning!

What if I want to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Feel free to get creative! You can sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on the filling before rolling it up for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just be careful not to overload them, or they might not roll up nicely!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear about your adventures with these red velvet cinnamon rolls! Did you try any fun variations or serve them with something special? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts—I’m always excited to hear how my recipes turn out for you! And if you enjoyed making these rolls, why not give this recipe a rating? Your feedback helps others find these delightful treats, and it means the world to me!

Also, don’t forget to snap a picture of your cinnamon rolls and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your beautiful creations, and let’s spread the joy of baking together. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your amazing rolls!

You might also like it

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: 5 Indulgent Reasons to Bake

Quick Italian Cream Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss

Catch a Husband Cake: 5 Reasons to Bake it Today!

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.