Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls 

If you love red velvet cake and can’t resist a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, then get ready—because this recipe combines the best of both in one decadent, bakery-worthy treat. These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with a silky cream cheese frosting that melts right into the warm rolls. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for brunch, Valentine’s Day, holidays, or whenever you want to bake something truly special.

What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is the subtle cocoa flavor in the red velvet dough, paired with that signature red hue and rich cream cheese topping. The result is indulgent but not overly sweet—a perfect balance of comfort and flair.

This is a classic yeast dough recipe, but don’t let that intimidate you. With a few simple steps and a little rise time, you’ll have a pan of soft, swirled rolls ready to make your kitchen smell like a dream.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and start with the dough that forms the base of this show-stopping bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dough:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)

STEP 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture looks foamy on top. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

STEP 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Color the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth and evenly colored. This mixture gives the dough its red velvet base—rich, slightly chocolatey, and deeply hued.

STEP 3: Add the Yeast and Dry Ingredients

Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl, then gradually stir in the flour and salt, starting with 2 ¾ cups and adding more as needed. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.

STEP 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but be careful not to over-flour—it should remain soft and pliable.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Rolling, Filling, and Baking Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Now that your red velvet dough has risen and is soft, fluffy, and doubled in size, it’s time to roll it out and layer in that rich cinnamon-sugar filling. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing and your cinnamon rolls really begin to take shape. From rolling and slicing to baking and frosting, this step is all about transforming that dough into a tray of irresistibly soft and gooey rolls.

Let’s walk through the rest of the process and get these heavenly rolls into the oven.

STEP 5: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup packed brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. This filling gives the rolls their signature sweet and spiced swirl.

Set aside your ¼ cup of softened butter, which will be used to help the sugar mixture stick to the dough.

STEP 6: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, about 9×14 inches in size. Try to keep the edges straight for even rolls.

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

STEP 7: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, keeping the roll snug but not overly tight. Once rolled, slice the log into 9 to 12 equal pieces, depending on how thick you’d like your cinnamon rolls.

A sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss works well to slice without flattening the rolls.

STEP 8: Second Rise

Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover the pan with a towel and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they look puffy and have filled out the pan.

This second rise helps them bake up light and pillowy.

STEP 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are risen, bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centers are cooked through and the tops are slightly golden.

Be careful not to overbake—pull them when they’re just set so they stay soft and gooey inside.

STEP 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 tbsp of milk to reach your desired consistency.

You want a spreadable but slightly thick texture so it melts into the warm rolls without running off completely.

STEP 11: Frost While Warm

When the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top while they’re still warm. The heat helps the frosting melt slightly into the rolls, creating that classic glazed finish.

Fun Variations to Try:

These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are already a standout treat, but if you’re looking to change things up or personalize them for different occasions, there are so many creative ways to take them to the next level. Whether you’re craving more chocolate, adding fruit, or switching up the frosting, these variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you bake it.

1. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Rolls

Sprinkle ½ cup of mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. It melts into the swirl and adds rich chocolate pockets throughout each roll.

2. Raspberry Red Velvet Rolls

Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on top of the butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. The tangy berry flavor complements the red velvet and cream cheese frosting perfectly.

3. Red Velvet Nutella Rolls

Instead of butter, spread a thin layer of Nutella over the rolled-out dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. This makes the rolls even richer and more indulgent.

4. Red Velvet Orange Rolls

Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the filling and another ½ teaspoon to the cream cheese frosting. The citrus brightens the cocoa and makes these rolls feel extra special and holiday-ready.

5. Cream Cheese Stuffed Rolls

For extra decadence, place a teaspoon of sweetened cream cheese (cream cheese mixed with a little powdered sugar) in the center of each roll after slicing and before baking.

6. Red Velvet Mocha Rolls

Add ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cocoa in the dough for a subtle coffee flavor that deepens the chocolate profile. It’s a great twist for coffee lovers.

7. Glaze Instead of Frosting

Skip the cream cheese frosting and instead whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream for a simple vanilla glaze. Drizzle it over warm rolls for a lighter finish.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas, or experiment with your own favorite flavors and toppings. These cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile, and once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can adapt it to suit any mood, season, or celebration.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls FAQ and Final Thoughts:

These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a sweet roll—tender dough, rich flavor, a classic cinnamon swirl, and a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting on top. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, Valentine’s Day, or just because you deserve something cozy and indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Before you roll out your next batch, here are some common questions that might come up as you bake.

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to rise before baking as directed.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

3. Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. You can freeze the baked rolls (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

4. What’s the best way to ensure a soft dough?

Use fresh yeast, don’t over-flour your dough, and make sure to knead until smooth and elastic. Also, let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot—this helps create those pillowy layers.

5. Can I use food coloring alternatives?

Yes. You can use natural food colorings like beet powder or a store-bought natural red dye, but the color may be more subtle. The gel-based food coloring yields the most vibrant red velvet hue.

6. Do I have to use cocoa powder in the dough?

The cocoa powder is what gives these their “red velvet” flavor. It adds a mild chocolate note that balances the sweetness. You can reduce it slightly, but skipping it completely will change the flavor.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This dough doubles well if you’re baking for a crowd. Use two 9×13-inch pans and rotate them in the oven for even baking if baking at the same time.

Conclusion: The Perfect Twist on a Classic Favorite

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring together the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls and the decadent charm of red velvet cake in one dreamy pan. From the rich cocoa-kissed dough to the gooey swirl and luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite is warm, comforting, and celebration-worthy.

They’re festive enough for holidays and special occasions, but simple enough to enjoy any weekend when you’ve got a little time to treat yourself and your loved ones to something homemade. Plus, with the ability to prep ahead, freeze, and customize, they’re a versatile recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it went for you. Did you keep it classic or try one of the fun variations? However you serve them, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds. Happy baking!

Print