Are you tired of the same old dessert recipes that fall flat on flavor and presentation? I know that feeling all too well. Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and I’ve spent countless hours perfecting these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls that combine two of the most popular baking recipes into one irresistible treat.
As someone who believes that food is about creating memories around the table, I developed these rolls when my family needed something special to brighten a rainy Sunday morning. The moment these ruby-red swirls emerged from the oven, their cream cheese frosting glistening like morning dew, I knew I had created something magical worth sharing with you.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through my foolproof technique for achieving that perfect red velvet flavor while maintaining the gooey cinnamon center that makes these rolls so addictive. You’ll discover expert tips for working with yeast, creating the perfect swirl, and achieving that bakery-quality finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
From ingredient selection to flavor variations, this guide covers everything you need to know about creating these must-try dessert recipes in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into what might become your new favorite sweet treat recipe!
Why This Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Recipe Works
These rolls aren’t just another pretty dessert recipe – they’re engineered for success in your kitchen!
- Uses simple pantry staples with a few special ingredients for that signature red velvet flavor
- Can be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning (perfect for holiday breakfasts!)
- Works beautifully for both beginners and experienced bakers
- Creates a stunning presentation with minimal effort – truly one of the best homemade dessert recipes
- Combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible creation
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Best Ingredients for Red Velvet Flavor
The key to authentic red velvet flavor lies in the perfect balance of cocoa, buttermilk, and vanilla. Unlike chocolate desserts, red velvet should have just a hint of cocoa – about 2-3 tablespoons is ideal for these rolls. Use natural cocoa powder rather than Dutch-processed for the most authentic flavor and reaction with the vinegar.
Yeast Essentials
Active dry yeast works beautifully in these rolls, but instant yeast can save you time by eliminating the proofing step. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s fresh – old yeast leads to dense, disappointing rolls instead of the fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Cream Cheese Selection
Full-fat cream cheese creates the most luxurious frosting for these cute treat ideas. While reduced-fat varieties will work in a pinch, they tend to produce a thinner consistency that doesn’t achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth finishing touch.
If you love cream cheese desserts, you might also enjoy my Individual Mini Cheesecake Recipe for another delightful treat!
Ingredients & Prep for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Dough Essentials
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, warmed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Red Velvet Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warmed buttermilk (about 110°F) with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Creating Perfect Red Velvet Rolls
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 16×20 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
- Starting from the long edge (opposite the border), tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal rolls.
For more fun food recipes dinner ideas that include sweet endings, check out my Pinterest collection where I share seasonal inspiration and new recipe concepts!
Baking Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until the rolls are set but still soft in the center.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before frosting.
Frosting Your Heavenly Rolls
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until completely incorporated.
- Spread generously over warm (not hot) rolls, allowing the frosting to melt slightly into the crevices.
Looking for more chocolate inspiration? My Perfect Homemade Brownies recipe might be just what you need!
Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Avoiding Dry Cinnamon Rolls
The secret to ultra-moist rolls is not overbaking them. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven—they’ll continue cooking from residual heat. Also, brush the edges of your dough with milk before rolling to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Tool Recommendations
A good quality stand mixer with a dough hook makes the kneading process effortless, but this recipe can absolutely be made by hand. A silicone pastry mat with measurements printed on it helps achieve that perfect rectangle for even-sized rolls.
Make-Ahead Options
These rolls are perfect for prepping the night before! After placing the cut rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove them from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes before baking.
If you’re looking for something sweet to make that’s a bit less involved, try my Dairy-Free 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Cookies for a quick treat!
Flavor Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Amplify the chocolate notes by adding mini chocolate chips to the filling and drizzling melted chocolate over the cream cheese frosting. This transforms these rolls into an even more decadent dessert recipe baked to perfection.
Berry Delicious
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or strawberries work beautifully) to the filling for a fruity twist that complements the red velvet flavor. The berries add pops of color and natural sweetness.
Festive Twists
Customize these rolls for holidays by adding different extract flavors or toppings:
| Holiday | Flavor Addition | Special Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Peppermint extract (½ tsp) | Crushed candy canes |
| Valentine’s Day | Almond extract (¼ tsp) | Pink sprinkles |
| Halloween | Orange zest | Black and orange sprinkles |
| Easter | Lemon extract (¼ tsp) | Pastel-colored white chocolate drizzle |
For another delicious holiday treat, check out my Fudgy Brownie Pecan Pie – it’s a showstopper at any gathering!
Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These heavenly rolls shine as the centerpiece of any brunch spread, but they pair particularly well with:
- Fresh fruit platters to balance the richness
- Hot chocolate or coffee for dipping
- Vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience
- Crispy bacon for a sweet-savory breakfast combination
For summer gatherings, consider my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks as another crowd-pleasing option!
FAQs About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes! The rolls will taste identical but will have a light brownish color instead of the vibrant red. You can also use natural alternatives like beet powder for coloring.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
The most common culprits are expired yeast or liquid that’s too hot (which kills yeast). Make sure your buttermilk is warm, not hot, and check your yeast’s expiration date.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them either before the second rise (thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to rise before baking) or after baking but before frosting. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before adding fresh frosting.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The rolls should be puffed up and set around the edges, but still slightly soft in the center. An internal temperature of 190°F is perfect. Resist the urge to overbake!
Time to Roll!
These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls represent everything I love about baking – the creativity, the joy of sharing something delicious, and the way special treats bring people together. The combination of tender red velvet dough, warming cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a truly magical experience that’s worth every minute of preparation.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate an ordinary weekend, these rolls deliver the perfect balance of comfort and luxury. They’ve become a staple in my household, requested for birthdays, holidays, and any day that needs a little extra sweetness.
I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media or come join the thousands of home bakers who’ve found their new favorite must-try dessert recipe. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, browse my collection of best sweet treat recipes for your next baking adventure!