Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Breakfast for Any Occasion

If you love red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls, then you’re in for a treat. These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich cocoa flavor and striking color of red velvet with the gooey, buttery swirls of a classic cinnamon roll — all topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.

They’re soft, sweet, slightly chocolatey, and irresistibly decadent. Perfect for holiday brunches, Valentine’s Day breakfast, or anytime you want to bake something that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

❤️ Stunning red color for special occasions and holidays
🍫 Hints of cocoa for a chocolatey depth
🌀 Classic cinnamon roll texture with a fun twist
🧁 Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting
👩‍🍳 Beginner-friendly, especially with step-by-step instructions
🎁 Perfect for brunch, gifting, or dessert

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What Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are made by adding cocoa powder and red food coloring to a basic sweet yeast dough. They’re rolled out, filled with cinnamon-sugar filling, sliced, and baked until fluffy and golden. Once cooled slightly, they’re slathered with rich cream cheese frosting for the ultimate finish.

Think of them as the love child of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls — a gorgeous, flavorful twist on a classic.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½–4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ tbsp red food coloring

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer (or mix and knead by hand)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish or large round cake pan
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
• Mixing bowls and spatula

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How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine:

• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Yeast

Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the following to the yeast mixture:

• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla
• Red food coloring

Mix gently. Then add:

• 3½ cups flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms. Add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time as needed — dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl.

Knead for 5–7 minutes by machine (or 10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.

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Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Form dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Keep the softened butter separate — you’ll spread it on the dough first.

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Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Slice

• Punch down the dough and roll into a 15×9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
• Spread softened butter over the entire surface.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over butter.

Roll up tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, spacing slightly apart. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Tip: You can refrigerate overnight at this point and bake in the morning!

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Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Don’t overbake — you want them soft!

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Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla
• Salt

Mix until smooth and creamy.

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Step 9: Frost and Serve

Let rolls cool for 5–10 minutes, then generously frost while still warm. The frosting will melt slightly and sink into the swirls.

Serve warm and enjoy!

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

🕒 Overnight Option:

• After shaping the rolls, place covered in the fridge overnight.
• Let come to room temperature and rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.

❄️ To Freeze (Unbaked):

• Freeze the rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, then bake.

❄️ To Freeze (Baked):

• Cool completely, then freeze individually.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven.

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Flavor Variations

💗 Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Add mashed strawberries for a fruity pink topping
🍫 Chocolate Ganache Drizzle – Drizzle warm ganache over frosting for extra indulgence
🍊 Orange Cream Cheese Frosting – Add orange zest for a citrus twist
🌰 Nutella Filling – Replace butter and cinnamon sugar with a layer of Nutella
🧁 Mini Red Velvet Rolls – Slice into 24 pieces and bake in muffin tins

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How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are perfect for:

• ❤️ Valentine’s Day brunch
• 🎄 Christmas morning breakfast
• 🎉 Birthday breakfasts
• 🎁 Gifting or holiday baskets
• 🧁 Dessert trays or potlucks

Pair with:

• Fresh berries or whipped cream
• Coffee, lattes, or hot cocoa
• A glass of cold milk or mimosas

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Nutrition Information (Approx. per roll with frosting)

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 44g
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Uses a classic yeast dough that’s soft and pillowy
✅ Cocoa and red food coloring provide authentic red velvet flavor and look
✅ Cream cheese frosting adds richness and tang
✅ Flexible recipe — make ahead, freeze, or customize
✅ Great for holidays and crowd-pleasing brunches

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bread machine?

Yes, you can use the dough cycle to make the dough, then shape, rise, and bake as instructed.

Can I make them without food coloring?

Absolutely! They’ll taste the same but won’t have the red velvet look. For a natural red hue, try beet powder.

What kind of cocoa should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is ideal. Dutch-processed will work, but may affect the rise slightly.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with added xanthan gum. Note: results may vary slightly in texture.

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Final Thoughts: A Sweet Twist Worth Sharing

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bring something special to the table — not only in color and flavor but in the memories they help create. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday brunch, surprising your sweetheart, or just indulging your inner baker, this recipe delivers warm, gooey, cinnamon-kissed perfection with a chocolatey twist.

One bite, and you’ll agree: red velvet isn’t just for cake anymore.

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