Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a luscious twist on a classic breakfast treat. The first time I made these for a holiday brunch, the deep red swirl and sweet scent of cinnamon won over everyone before they even had a bite. These rolls are tender, vibrant, and topped with rich cream cheese icing—truly a treat worth savoring.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or any time you want to impress, these cinnamon rolls add color and indulgence to your table. They look bakery-level fancy but are made from scratch right in your own kitchen. The smooth swirl of red dough filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting makes every bite a showstopper. Whether you're making them for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe never fails to deliver joy.

These rolls bring comfort and a hint of luxury to any morning, and once you bake them, you'll want to make them part of every celebration. And yes, they're as delicious as they are beautiful.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Visually stunning: That vibrant red swirl makes a big impression.
• Soft and fluffy: Homemade dough means tender, bakery-style rolls with every bite.
• Classic with a twist: Combines the beloved flavors of red velvet and cinnamon rolls into one irresistible treat.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Creamy icing: Tangy, sweet, and irresistible cream cheese icing coats each roll perfectly.
• Special occasion worthy: Perfect for holidays, brunches, or birthdays.
• Easy to customize: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of white chocolate for flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (gel preferred, use as needed for color)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoon milk (optional, to thin the icing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   • Stir in melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, food coloring, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix well until smooth.
   • Gradually add remaining flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl and becomes less sticky.
   • Knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic, either by hand or with a stand mixer. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Roll out dough into a 10x15 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
   • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, reaching all the way to the edges.
   • Roll the dough up tightly from the long side into a log shape.
   • Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
   • Place rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish with a little space between them.
   • Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed up.
4. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F.
   • Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden on top and the centers are set.
   • If rolls brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last few minutes.
5. Make the Icing:
   • In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
   • Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy and well mixed.
   • Add milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Ice and Serve:
   • While the rolls are still warm, spread the icing generously over the tops.
   • Serve immediately for the gooey, fresh-baked experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Best enjoyed fresh and warm. Pair with a cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze baked, un-iced rolls. Thaw and warm before adding icing.

Helpful Notes

• Food coloring: Gel provides a deep, rich red color without thinning your dough. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Make ahead: Prepare the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before baking.
• Flour note: Humidity and flour brands vary. Add flour slowly to ensure soft, not dense dough.
• Flavor boost: A pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of espresso powder in the filling deepens the flavor beautifully.
• Holiday tip: Sprinkle crushed peppermint or drizzle white chocolate over icing for a festive finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these?
   Yes! You can freeze the unbaked rolls in the pan, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Or freeze the baked rolls without icing and add fresh icing after reheating.
2. Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?
   Absolutely. A thicker frosting works just as well and gives an even more indulgent result.
3. Why is my dough not rising?
   Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm but not hot. Temperatures above 115°F can kill yeast.
4. Can I use a stand mixer?
   Yes! Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
   Definitely. Sprinkle them over the filling before rolling up for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their eye-catching color, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and rich cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for holidays, brunches, or special weekend mornings. These rolls bring a festive flair to your breakfast table and make for a heartfelt homemade gift too.

Whether you're baking for a celebration or simply because you deserve something special, this recipe delivers. Bake a batch and watch the smiles light up around your table. Each soft, swirled, and frosted bite is a celebration in itself!

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