Why Make This Recipe
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just your average cinnamon rolls. They blend the classic flavor of red velvet cake with the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls, making a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. These rolls are fluffy, sweet, and drizzled with a creamy frosting. They can brighten up any day, making them a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or simply when you want to indulge.
How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until you form a soft dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips (if using).
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, blend cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
After the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the frosting generously over the top. Serve warm.
How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven. They are best served warm and can be paired with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. You can also sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for added flair.
How to Store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
To store the rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For best results, reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, as overly hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to achieve the right texture.
- Don’t skip the rise time; it’s essential for fluffy rolls.
- Experiment with the filling by adding nuts or dried fruits if you like.
When to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
HEAVENLY RED VELVET CINNAMON ROLLS ARE PERFECT WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING THAT FEELS A LITTLE EXTRA SPECIAL. THEY’RE GREAT FOR WEEKEND BRUNCH, HOLIDAY BREAKFASTS, BIRTHDAYS, VALENTINE’S DAY, OR ANY CELEBRATION WHERE YOU WANT A “WOW” TREAT ON THE TABLE. YOU CAN SERVE THEM AS A SWEET BREAKFAST, A DESSERT AFTER A LIGHT MEAL, OR MAKE A BIG PAN FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND POTLUCKS. THE BRIGHT RED COLOR AND CREAMY FROSTING MAKE THEM LOOK JUST AS GOOD AS THEY TASTE, SO THEY’RE ALWAYS A SHOWSTOPPER.
Variation
For a unique twist, you can add crushed pecans or walnuts to the filling. You may also try a cream-cheese frosting with a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. CAN I MAKE THESE CINNAMON ROLLS THE NIGHT BEFORE?
YES! YOU CAN ASSEMBLE THE ROLLS THE NIGHT BEFORE TO SAVE TIME IN THE MORNING. AFTER ROLLING THE DOUGH, ADDING THE FILLING, AND CUTTING INTO ROLLS, PLACE THEM IN A GREASED BAKING DISH, COVER TIGHTLY WITH PLASTIC WRAP, AND REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, LET THEM COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE AND RISE UNTIL PUFFY (ABOUT 30–45 MINUTES) BEFORE BAKING. THIS METHOD GIVES YOU FRESHLY BAKED ROLLS WITH MINIMAL MORNING WORK.
2. IS IT NECESSARY TO USE FOOD COLORING?
NOT AT ALL. THE RED FOOD COLORING IS WHAT GIVES THESE ROLLS THEIR CLASSIC RED VELVET LOOK, BUT IT DOESN’T AFFECT THE TEXTURE. IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN REDUCE THE AMOUNT FOR A SOFTER COLOR OR LEAVE IT OUT COMPLETELY FOR A MORE TRADITIONAL CINNAMON ROLL APPEARANCE. THE ROLLS WILL STILL BE SOFT, SWEET, AND DELICIOUS WITH THE SAME CINNAMON-SUGAR FILLING AND CREAM CHEESE FROSTING.
3. CAN I FREEZE THESE ROLLS?
YES, YOU CAN FREEZE THEM EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER BAKING. FOR UNBAKED ROLLS, LET THEM RISE ONCE, THEN FREEZE THEM IN THE PAN OR ON A TRAY UNTIL FIRM BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO A FREEZER BAG. WHEN READY TO BAKE, LET THEM THAW AND RISE AGAIN BEFORE PLACING THEM IN THE OVEN. FOR BAKED ROLLS, ALLOW THEM TO COOL COMPLETELY, THEN WRAP INDIVIDUALLY OR COVER THE PAN WELL AND FREEZE. REHEAT IN THE OVEN UNTIL WARM AND FINISH WITH FRESH FROSTING IF NEEDED. THIS MAKES THEM PERFECT FOR MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS OR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cups mini chocolate chips optional
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp milk to adjust consistency
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until you form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
Preparation of Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips (if using).
Rolling and Assembling
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Baking the Rolls
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Making the Frosting
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Frosting and Serving
- After the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the frosting generously over the top.
- Serve warm.