Chef Mitchell preparing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of combining red velvet with cinnamon rolls during a holiday baking session with my family. After several attempts to perfect the recipe, I finally found the right balance of flavors and textures. Now, these rolls are a staple at our gatherings, bringing everyone together with their delicious aroma and taste."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in desserts. With a passion for creating sweet treats, he has developed countless recipes that blend tradition with innovation. His expertise ensures that every dish is memorable and delightful.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls served on a plate

Why This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

This recipe combines the beloved red velvet cake flavors with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. The rich color and flavor of the red velvet make these rolls visually appealing and delicious. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making them a standout dessert.

The technique of letting the dough rise twice ensures a fluffy texture, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich creaminess that enhances the overall experience. The result is a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese for the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and easy-to-spread frosting that complements the rolls perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Simply roll the dough, fill it, and cut the rolls. Place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rise while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.

You can use beet juice or pomegranate juice as a natural alternative to red food coloring. However, keep in mind that the color and flavor may differ slightly. Adjust the quantity based on the desired intensity of color.

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the rolls will have a nice rise and feel soft to the touch.

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. For baked rolls, allow them to cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You could also serve them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can last for about 3 to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Roll, cut, and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. This allows for a quick bake in the morning for fresh rolls.

The best way to reheat these rolls is in the microwave. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cinnamon rolls turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour.

Solution: Make sure to measure your flour accurately and keep an eye on the baking time. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the exterior of the rolls isn’t crispy, they may need more time in the oven.

Solution: Increase the baking time by a few minutes and ensure your oven is properly preheated before placing the rolls inside.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked rolls can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, use an oven thermometer to check the temperature and start checking for doneness a few minutes early.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the rolls is doughy, they may not have baked long enough.

Recovery: You can return the rolls to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure they cook through without burning the edges.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the rolls are burnt on the outside, it may be due to high oven temperature.

Prevention: Consider lowering the oven temperature and covering the rolls with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the rolls are too sweet, balance the flavor by serving with a tart cream cheese frosting.

Too Salty: If the rolls are too salty, pair them with a sweet glaze to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: To enhance bland rolls, add more cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough or frosting.

Fresh ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

The key ingredients in this recipe create a beautiful blend of texture and flavor. All-purpose flour gives the rolls structure, while cocoa powder and red food coloring provide the iconic red velvet look and taste. Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, making each bite irresistible.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Make sure your butter and eggs are fresh, and opt for real vanilla extract over imitation for a richer flavor profile. This attention to quality will elevate your cinnamon rolls.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for better flavor. It's important to sift the flour before measuring to ensure accuracy and prevent the rolls from becoming dense.
  • Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can provide a darker color and richer taste, enhancing the red velvet experience.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with powdered sugar. This ensures a smooth frosting without lumps, perfect for topping your delicious rolls.
Cooking process for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The process of making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is straightforward and rewarding. Starting with a soft dough that rises perfectly, each step allows you to create a beautiful treat. Rolling out the dough and adding the filling is where the fun begins.

Achieving perfect results requires patience during the rising stages. Allowing the dough to rise fully will ensure light and fluffy rolls. Baking them to a golden brown provides that perfect finish, making these rolls a delightful treat.

Key Technique for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

The most important technique is the double rise for the dough. This process allows for a light and airy texture. Don’t rush this step; letting the dough rise properly is crucial for achieving that fluffy consistency.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
    For frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the dough
  • 1 cup sugar
    Sweetening the dough
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
    Adds moisture
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
    For richness
  • 1 large egg
    Binder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
    For color
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    Filling sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    Filling flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough

    In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures and knead until a smooth dough forms.

  2. Let the Dough Rise

    Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

  3. Prepare the Filling

    In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans if using.

  4. Roll Out the Dough

    Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

  5. Add the Filling

    Spread the softened cream cheese over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across.

  6. Roll and Cut

    Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the log into 6 equal pieces.

  7. Second Rise

    Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

  8. Bake the Rolls

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  9. Prepare the Frosting

    While the rolls bake, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

  10. Serve

    Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly, then top with the cream cheese frosting before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned earlier. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Recipe Variations

For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips to the filling or using a flavored cream cheese frosting. You could also experiment with different nuts or even a layer of fruit preserves for extra flavor.