Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the eyes; they are delightful rolls that taste as good as they look. Their rich, red color, combined with sweet cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, makes them a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether it’s a special occasion, a lazy weekend, or just a craving for something sweet, these rolls can easily elevate your mood and impress your guests.

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 the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips if desired. This mixture will be spread on the dough later.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Cut the log into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Then, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Mix the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, right after frosting. You can enjoy them plain or with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. These rolls also make an excellent addition to any brunch spread.

How to Store Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the rolls before frosting them. They will stay good for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

1. Measure Your Ingredients: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the best results.
2. Warm Ingredients: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
3. Don’t Skip Rising Times: Giving the dough enough time to rise is key to fluffy rolls.
4. Adjust Frosting Consistency: You can add more or less milk to the frosting to find your perfect thickness.

Variation

For a fun twist, try adding crushed nuts or dried fruits to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, such as a vanilla glaze or a chocolate one.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before and place it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

2. Is it necessary to use red food coloring?
   Yes, the red food coloring gives these cinnamon rolls their signature look. However, you can omit it for a classic cinnamon roll flavor, and they will still taste great.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?
   All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. If you want to use whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of visual appeal and indulgent flavor. These soft, fluffy rolls feature a rich red hue, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they make any occasion feel extra special while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rising Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, for filling
• 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional
• 8 oz cream cheese softened, for frosting
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, for frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
• 2-4 tbsp milk to adjust frosting consistency

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips (if using).
3. Roll and Assemble: Once the dough has risen, roll it into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll tightly into a log. Cut into equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
4. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Make the Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
6. Frost and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast. Letting the dough rise fully results in soft, fluffy rolls. Adjust frosting consistency with milk for your desired texture. For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or drizzle chocolate over the frosted rolls.