Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich cocoa-kissed flavor of red velvet with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon swirls, all topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or any special morning, they’re festive, soft, and irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
½ cup warm whole milk
½ cup warm water
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla. Gradually mix into dry ingredients.
Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until soft and smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 ½ hours).
Roll dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Roll tightly into a log, slice into 12 rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife, and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until fluffy and lightly golden.
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) liquids to activate yeast properly.

Dental floss makes cleaner slices than a knife.

If you prefer overnight prep, refrigerate shaped rolls, then bring to room temp before baking.

Store frosted rolls covered at room temp (2 days) or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 2 hours rising)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American