
If you love the softness of cinnamon rolls and the indulgence of red velvet cake, Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat! These beautifully vibrant, soft rolls are packed with a sweet cinnamon filling, enveloped in a buttery dough with just the right amount of cocoa, and finished with a rich cream cheese glaze. They’re the perfect addition to any special occasion—whether it's for Valentine’s Day, Christmas brunch, or simply a cozy weekend morning.
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t fall in love with the rich color, decadent flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cinnamon rolls? The red velvet twist makes them irresistible, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Gooey: A perfectly pillowy dough filled with cinnamon goodness.
- Rich and Decadent Flavor: The touch of cocoa and food coloring makes these rolls a gorgeous treat.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, tangy glaze that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a treat for your loved ones, these rolls will steal the show.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 50g granulated sugar
- 7g active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 30g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 240ml warm buttermilk (around 40°C)
- 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5g)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (15g, adjust for desired intensity)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 100g brown sugar, packed
- 50g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon cinnamon (10g)
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 120g cream cheese, softened
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5g)
- 2 tablespoon milk (30ml, adjust for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Make sure the buttermilk is warm but not too hot, as high heat can kill the yeast.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Set aside the cinnamon-sugar mixture and make sure your butter is softened and ready for spreading.
Step 3: Roll & Fill the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 40x25 cm).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the rolled dough into 10-12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Second Rise & Bake
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, spread the frosting generously over the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve these red velvet cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy the soft, gooey, decadent layers with every bite!
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll, Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 25g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Knead the dough until smooth, but avoid overworking it to keep the rolls soft and airy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for the best texture in your dough and frosting.
- Chill the Dough Before Cutting: Refrigerating the dough log for 10-15 minutes can make it easier to cut without squashing the rolls.
- Add More Cinnamon: Feel free to increase the cinnamon in the filling if you want an extra burst of flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle some melted chocolate over the rolls after baking.
- Nutty Version: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for added texture.
- Caramel Touch: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the rolls along with the frosting for an extra sweet finish.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked rolls (before the second rise) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a true indulgence, perfect for those who love rich, gooey treats. With a soft, cocoa-infused dough, a sweet and spicy cinnamon filling, and a tangy cream cheese frosting, they make every bite a delicious experience.
Whether you're making them for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself and your loved ones, these rolls will definitely wow everyone who tries them. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake these show-stopping cinnamon rolls!
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