Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Delight in soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing—perfectly sweet, rich, and irresistibly delicious every bite! This irresistible treat combines the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with the deep, vibrant flavor and striking color of red velvet, all finished off with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth. It’s a showstopper for breakfast, brunch, or dessert that will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor explosion: The combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and cream cheese offers a unique and delicious twist you’ll crave.
• Visually stunning: The rich red color of the rolls makes them perfect for festive occasions or as a centerpiece dessert.
• Soft and fluffy texture: Every bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfectly kneaded dough and tender crumb.
• Versatile dessert or breakfast: These rolls work beautifully for morning treats or indulgent after-dinner sweets.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and enjoy convenient, fresh-tasting rolls anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing require simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich, tender, and colorful experience. Each ingredient plays a key role in texture, flavor, or color, making the baking process both fun and rewarding.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and creates that fluffy, soft dough perfect for rolling.
• Active dry yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully, giving lightness and airy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for proper fermentation.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich, subtle chocolate notes essential for red velvet flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, spicy undertones balancing sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavors and balances sweetness.
• Whole milk: Hydrates the dough and keeps it tender.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness to both dough and filling.
• Eggs: Help bind ingredients together and create a soft crumb.
• Red food coloring: Provides the signature bold hue for that classic red velvet look.
• Cream cheese: Essential for the creamy, tangy icing that perfectly complements the rolls.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing for luscious spreadability.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth to both dough and frosting.

Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you tailor flavors and textures to your liking or dietary needs while keeping the core delight intact. Feel free to experiment for fun twists or season-based flavors.

• Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds in the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fruit infusion: Add dried cranberries or chopped strawberries in the filling for a fruity surprise.
• Vegan swap: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed “egg” to make these rolls entirely vegan.
• Spiced kick: Incorporate nutmeg or cardamom into the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Chocolate overload: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for extra melty pockets of chocolate.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar to activate the yeast until foamy—about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This step is crucial for the fluffy, airy texture of your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the sweet cinnamon filling. Set aside to spread on the rolled dough later.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of sweet spice.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Final Rise

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up and nearly doubled. This final proof makes the rolls extra tender and soft.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are set and the tops are slightly golden but still soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking for maximum fluffiness.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The tangy sweetness of this icing perfectly complements the rich cinnamon and cocoa flavors.

Step 9: Ice and Serve

Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm for the most indulgent experience!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

• Perfect yeast activation: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
• Don’t skip kneading: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the dough its fluffy structure.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough come together smoothly and rise properly.
• Slice gently: Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
• Let rolls cool slightly: Ice the rolls when warm, but not hot, to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting into a glaze.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Garnishes

Top the rolls with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, edible rose petals, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for added visual appeal and subtle texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh fruit like berries or orange slices for a balanced breakfast, or serve alongside a rich hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy brunch vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve rolls in a rustic wooden box or on a cute tiered cupcake stand for gatherings. Wrap single rolls in parchment paper tied with twine as sweet gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Freezing

Freeze uniced rolls before the final rise by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh their soft texture and enhance flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare rolls up to the final rise and store them in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for the best taste and texture.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

To achieve the classic red velvet appearance, red food coloring is key. However, you can experiment with natural alternatives like beet juice for a subtle color shift.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the icing?

While cream cheese provides unique tang and creaminess, you can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar as alternatives in a pinch.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Store rolls airtight and avoid overbaking. Light reheating before serving also restores softness nicely.

Are these rolls gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads to adapt the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a magical treat that bring a cozy, colorful, and unforgettable flavor to your table. They’re perfect for special celebrations or simply brightening an ordinary morning. Give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with each warm, gooey bite just like I did!

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