Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These super soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or a decadent weekend treat, these vibrant rolls are sure to impress!

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Why Readers Will Love This Recipe

• Show-stopping color and flavor make them perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• A balance of rich cocoa and cinnamon spice creates an irresistible taste.
• Fluffy, tender dough with a gooey filling and creamy icing makes every bite indulgent.
• Customizable and easy to make with simple ingredients and clear instructions.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment: For efficient kneading of the dough.
• Pastry blender or fork: To incorporate butter into the dry ingredients if mixing by hand.
• Rolling pin: For flattening the dough into a rectangle.
• Unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife: To cut the rolls cleanly.
• 9×14-inch casserole pan: Ensures even baking and a snug fit for the rolls.
• Instant-read thermometer: To check dough and milk temperatures for accuracy.

Importance of Each Tool

• A stand mixer saves time and ensures a smooth, elastic dough.
• Dental floss or a serrated knife prevents crushing the rolls during slicing.
• An instant-read thermometer ensures milk and baking temperatures are spot-on for perfect results.

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Preparation Tips

• Plan your timing: The dough needs time to rise, so allocate about 1 hour and 20 minutes for resting.
• Room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, cream cheese, and milk to room temperature for easier mixing and a more consistent dough.
• Flour your work surface: To prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out.
• Handle dough gently: Avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and airy.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 full packet)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon red gel food dye (e.g., Americolor Super Red)
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk to 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
4. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, add the milk/yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red food dye to the dry ingredients.
5. Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°F, then turn it off. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in the warm oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth, thick paste.

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Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, ensuring it reaches the edges.
3. Starting from the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Trim the uneven ends.
4. Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
5. Grease a 9×14-inch pan with nonstick spray. Arrange the rolls in the pan, cover with a towel, and let rise for 20 minutes.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream around the rolls in the pan.
2. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the center of the rolls registers 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.

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Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven for a gooey finish.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Experience

Pair these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with complementary sides and beverages to create a memorable meal or treat. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Fresh Berries

• Serve with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rolls’ richness.

2. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

3. Hot Coffee or Espresso

• A steaming cup of coffee or a rich espresso cuts through the sweetness and balances the flavors.

4. Mimosa or Sparkling Cider

• Ideal for brunch settings, these bubbly drinks add a festive touch to your table.

5. Yogurt Parfaits

• Light and layered with granola and fruit, parfaits provide a healthier side option.

6. Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

• Perfect for winter holidays, the creamy cocoa complements the rolls’ warm spices and chocolatey notes.

7. Sweetened Mascarpone Cheese

• Spread lightly sweetened mascarpone on a roll for a creamy twist to the icing.

8. Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

• For a savory counterpoint, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Dough Too Dry

• Mistake: Adding too much flour makes the dough stiff and dry.
• Solution: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately or spoon and level it into your measuring cup. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

2. Overproofing the Dough

• Mistake: Letting the dough rise too long causes it to collapse.
• Solution: Check the dough after 1 hour. It should double in size but not go beyond that.

3. Filling Leakage

• Mistake: Rolling the dough too loosely or not sealing the edges tightly.
• Solution: Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam closed to prevent the filling from leaking.

4. Uneven Roll Sizes

• Mistake: Cutting rolls unevenly leads to uneven baking.
• Solution: Use unflavored dental floss for clean, even cuts without squishing the dough.

5. Dense Rolls

• Mistake: Skipping the second rise makes rolls dense and heavy.
• Solution: Allow the rolls to rise again after shaping to ensure fluffiness.

6. Overbaking

• Mistake: Baking too long dries out the rolls.
• Solution: Check for doneness at 25 minutes or when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

7. Icing Too Thick

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients or too little milk.
• Solution: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, and adjust milk for a spreadable consistency.

8. Serving Too Late

• Mistake: Waiting too long to add icing results in rolls that are less gooey.
• Solution: Spread the icing over the rolls while they’re still warm from the oven.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Pair these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes to round out your meal or elevate your brunch table.

1. Seasonal Fruit Salad

• A mix of oranges, kiwis, and pomegranates adds brightness and a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham

• Perfect for holiday brunches, the savory-sweet ham complements the rich cinnamon rolls.

3. Cheese Board

• Include soft cheeses (like brie), nuts, and dried fruits to add variety and texture.

4. Greek Yogurt with Honey

• Light and tangy, Greek yogurt is a refreshing side option.

5. Spiced Apple Compote

• Warm spiced apples enhance the cinnamon flavor in the rolls.

6. Breakfast Sausage

• Crispy or grilled breakfast sausage balances the rolls with savory notes.

7. Caramel Drizzle Latte

• A latte with caramel syrup makes for a luxurious drink pairing.

8. Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Toddy

• Ideal for chilly mornings or evenings, this drink adds warmth and complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.

Recipe Tips

How to Make the Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese. This ensures the dough is smooth and the icing blends evenly.
• Even Rolling: Roll the dough into an even rectangle to ensure uniform roll sizes. Use a ruler for precise measurements if needed.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Process: Allow the dough to rise fully for fluffy, soft rolls. A warm, draft-free space is ideal for rising.
• Generously Spread Filling: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon filling; it’s what makes the rolls gooey and flavorful.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let the rolls come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after cutting and arranging them in the pan. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, allow to rise, and then bake as directed.
• Freezing After Baking: Wrap baked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Fridge: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating Rolls

• Microwave: Warm individual rolls on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Wrap rolls in foil and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Pro Tip: Add a small splash of milk or cream over the rolls before reheating to keep them moist.

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FAQs

Can I substitute the red food dye?

Yes, you can use beet juice for a natural red color or omit the dye entirely for traditional cinnamon rolls with a cocoa twist.

Why add heavy cream before baking?

Pouring heavy cream around the rolls keeps them moist and adds a rich, gooey texture. It soaks into the dough as it bakes, making the rolls extra tender.

How do I know if my dough is kneaded enough?

The dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and passes the “windowpane test.” Stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers—if it doesn’t tear and forms a thin, translucent sheet, it’s ready.

What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?

• Check yeast freshness: Expired or inactive yeast won’t rise.
• Temperature matters: Ensure the milk is warmed to 110°F. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
• Provide warmth: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour can be used for slightly chewier rolls. However, all-purpose flour yields softer results.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss to cut through the dough without squishing it. Simply slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.

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Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a show-stopping treat that combines the best of rich cocoa, warm cinnamon spice, and creamy icing. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or as a decadent dessert, they’re sure to impress family and friends.

Ready to try more indulgent recipes? Check out our Dessert Recipes Collection for more inspiration!