Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Fluffy
If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want something a little more indulgent and festive, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are pure perfection. With their rich red color, tender dough, and swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite.
They’re soft, gooey, and filled with that signature red velvet flavor — a hint of cocoa with a buttery sweetness that makes them perfect for holidays, brunches, or special weekends at home. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or just because, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Beautiful, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make — this recipe gives you the best of both worlds: the flavor of red velvet cake and the texture of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
1. Soft and pillowy texture
These rolls rise beautifully and bake into a light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
2. Gorgeous red color
A stunning twist on the classic — eye-catching and perfect for special occasions.
3. Cream cheese frosting perfection
The tangy-sweet frosting pairs perfectly with the cocoa-infused dough.
4. Simple ingredients, bakery-quality results
No fancy tools or techniques required — just mix, rise, roll, and bake.
5. Make-ahead friendly
You can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
6. Perfectly balanced flavor
Hints of cocoa and vanilla in the dough complement the warm cinnamon-sugar filling.
What You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how easy these are to make — everything starts with simple pantry staples.
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel preferred for rich color)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for extra depth)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Start with 1 teaspoon of red color and add more until you achieve your desired shade.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until the dough begins to come together.
Knead on a floured surface (or with a mixer on medium speed) for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of warm milk at a time. If too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
Step 2: First Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven for 2 minutes, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside the slightly warm oven.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder in a small bowl.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 14×9 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across it, pressing gently so it adheres.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 9 to 12 equal slices, depending on your preferred roll size.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one to allow for rising.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Make-Ahead Option:
If you’re preparing the rolls the night before, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking in the morning.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are set in the center and lightly golden on top. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and gooey.
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding milk a little at a time until it’s smooth and spreadable.
Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls — the best part.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Use gel food coloring.
Gel creates a deeper, richer red without altering the dough texture. - Warm but not hot liquid.
Milk should be warm to the touch, not hot — around 110°F ensures the yeast activates properly. - Knead just enough.
Over-kneading can make the dough tough. Stop when it’s smooth and elastic. - Don’t overbake.
Check them early; they should still feel soft in the center. Slight underbaking keeps them gooey. - Frost while warm.
Frosting warm rolls allows the cream cheese glaze to melt beautifully into the spirals. - Add cocoa for flavor balance.
Even a little cocoa enhances that classic red velvet taste.
Flavor Variations
Once you master this base recipe, you can switch things up easily. Here are a few creative twists:
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling for extra richness.
Oreo Red Velvet Rolls
Crumble Oreo cookies into the filling or sprinkle crushed cookies on top of the frosting.
Raspberry Red Velvet Rolls
Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the butter before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fruity contrast.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted rolls for a stunning finish.
Heart-Shaped Rolls
Perfect for Valentine’s Day — shape the rolls into hearts before baking for an adorable presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are stunning on their own, but even better served warm with:
- A cup of coffee or hot cocoa
- Fresh berries or fruit salad
- A dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar
- A drizzle of melted chocolate
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style rolls
They make a beautiful centerpiece for brunch tables, holiday breakfasts, or special celebrations.
How to Store and Reheat
Room Temperature:
Keep leftover rolls covered tightly or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
Freezer:
Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave until soft and gooey again.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the dough, roll, and slice the night before. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, then bake as directed.
This is perfect for holiday mornings when you want fresh-baked cinnamon rolls without waking up early to make the dough.
Troubleshooting
Rolls didn’t rise enough:
Your yeast may be expired or your liquid was too hot or cold. Always check yeast freshness.
Rolls turned out dry:
They were likely overbaked. Check a few minutes early next time.
Frosting too runny:
Add more powdered sugar or chill briefly before spreading.
Frosting too thick:
Add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until smooth.
Not red enough:
Add more gel food coloring — liquid types often dilute during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes — you’ll still get delicious cinnamon rolls with a light cocoa flavor. The color is just for appearance.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, but activate it first by mixing with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum, though texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely — it scales down easily if you only want 6 rolls.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Roll)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and frosting amount.)
Why This Recipe Works
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the best aspects of two classics — the soft, buttery texture of cinnamon rolls and the luxurious cocoa-vanilla flavor of red velvet cake. The dough is enriched with butter and milk for a tender crumb, while the cocoa adds a subtle depth that balances the sweetness.
The warm cinnamon-sugar filling complements the cocoa perfectly, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with tangy richness. The result: rolls that are soft, flavorful, and absolutely beautiful.
This recipe uses instant yeast for simplicity — no proofing required — and includes easy make-ahead and freezing options so you can enjoy fresh-baked rolls anytime.
Tips for Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Routine
- Make a Red Velvet Brunch Board:
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and hot drinks for an elegant breakfast spread. - Mini Rolls for Parties:
Cut smaller slices for bite-sized rolls — perfect for dessert trays or buffets. - Holiday Presentation:
Drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes for a Christmas twist. - Extra Frosting Lovers:
Double the frosting recipe for an ultra-indulgent finish. - Garnish Creatively:
Top with crushed nuts, red velvet cake crumbs, or even edible rose petals for a bakery-style look.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and show-stoppingly beautiful — the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a good homemade roll with a touch of luxury. The dough is rich and tender, the filling warm and spiced, and the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with velvety smoothness.
They’re the perfect choice for holidays, brunches, or any morning that needs a little extra sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging, these cinnamon rolls deliver bakery-quality flavor every single time.
Warm, decadent, and irresistibly soft — Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are proof that classic comfort food can also be absolutely stunning.
