Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Morning Delight

Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a decadent red velvet cinnamon rolls recipe promises pure breakfast bliss.

These crimson-hued spirals combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with a romantic velvet twist.

Rich cream cheese frosting melts luxuriously over warm, tender pastry.

Deep cocoa notes dance through each delightful bite, creating an irresistible treat.

Bakery-worthy rolls emerge straight from your home kitchen with minimal effort.

Weekend brunch just got an elegant upgrade that will leave everyone craving another slice.

You’ll want to savor every single sweet, crimson-kissed moment.

Cinnamon Roll Storage Tips for Red Velvet Fans

  • Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoiling.
  • Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 325F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water inside the foil to keep rolls moist.

FAQs

  • Why use cake mix in this recipe?

Cake mix adds softness, extra flavor, and helps create a tender texture that makes these cinnamon rolls uniquely delicious and foolproof.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and continue with rolling and shaping before baking.

  • How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press your finger into the dough, the indentation should slowly spring back but remain slightly visible.

  • What if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading. The dough should remain soft but manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, which can make rolls dense.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Best Bits

  • These red velvet cinnamon rolls transform an ordinary breakfast into a spectacular treat that looks like it came straight from a bakery showcase.
  • The recipe allows simple modifications, letting bakers swap ingredients or adjust sweetness levels to match personal taste preferences perfectly.
  • Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
  • Using cake mix as a base dramatically reduces complicated steps, enabling even novice bakers to create professional-looking pastries without extensive baking experience.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Ingredient Picks

Dough Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix: A quick and convenient base that adds flavor and softness to the red velvet cinnamon rolls.
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect dough texture.
  • Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • Water: Helps bind the ingredients and activate the yeast.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm spicy mixture that adds depth and classic cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps distribute the sugar and cinnamon evenly across the dough.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Combine to create a smooth, creamy topping that complements the red velvet and cinnamon flavors.

Gear to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls at Home

  • Stand Mixer: Essential for mixing dough and creating smooth, consistent texture.
  • Dough Hook Attachment: Helps knead dough efficiently and develops gluten structure.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining dry ingredients and rising dough.
  • Rolling Pin: Critical for rolling out dough to precise thickness and shape.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for baking and presenting the rolls.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Used for cutting rolled dough into individual rolls.
  • Electric Mixer: Needed for whipping icing to fluffy consistency.
  • Spatula: Helps spread butter and icing evenly.
  • Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: For greasing baking dish and dough surface.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll How-To

Step 1: Create Magical Dough

Grab your cake mix, flour, and yeast.

Pour them into a mixing bowl and add water.

Beat the mixture on medium speed for two minutes.

Switch to a dough hook and gradually mix in remaining flour until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which takes about 1½ hours.

Step 2: Craft Delectable Filling

In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter.

Step 4: Roll and Spread Deliciousness

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously.

Step 5: Shape Heavenly Rolls

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge toward the bottom.

Slice into 1½ inch thick rolls and arrange them in the prepared baking pan.

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by combining ingredients and beating with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Final Touch of Yumminess

Once the rolls are out of the oven, generously spread the icing while they’re still warm, letting it melt into every delicious crevice.

Tricks for the Softest Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for an extra tender, soft texture in your red velvet rolls.
  • Ensure warm (not hot) liquid when activating yeast to prevent killing the culture and guarantee proper rising.
  • Lightly oil your hands when handling the sticky dough to prevent excessive sticking and easier manipulation.
  • Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven to help it rise faster and more consistently.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even cuts when dividing the rolled dough into individual cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon Roll Swaps for Red Velvet Fans

  • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Rolls: Replace cake mix and flour with gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Variation: Substitute cake mix with vegan red velvet cake mix, use plant-based milk instead of water, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and create a cream cheese frosting using sugar substitute and reduced-fat cream cheese.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of regular milk, and prepare dairy-free cream cheese style frosting using cashew cream.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Plating and Serving

  • Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Serve these vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls as the star attraction at your weekend brunch gathering, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience.
  • Holiday Morning Magic: Prepare these rolls on Christmas or Valentine's Day mornings for a festive and romantic breakfast treat that will make family and friends feel extra special.
  • Coffee Companion Perfection: Pair these warm, gooey rolls with a rich espresso or creamy latte, allowing the sweet cinnamon and red velvet flavors to complement your morning coffee beautifully.
  • Dessert Transformation: Elevate these rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling with extra cream cheese icing for an indulgent after-dinner delight.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls combine classic Southern charm with a modern twist. Rich cream cheese frosting and deep crimson dough create an irresistible morning treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix
  • 2 1/2 cups (312.5 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) warm water
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast

Baking Enhancers and Filling:

  • 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup (76 milliliters) melted butter

Icing Components:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, blend cake mix, 1 cup flour, and yeast. Pour water and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Switch to dough hook and gradually incorporate remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  2. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, rotating to coat surface. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1½ hours.
  3. Create filling by whisking brown sugar and cinnamon together in a separate bowl.
  4. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  5. On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangular shape measuring roughly 16×12 inches and ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread butter across the surface, then distribute sugar-cinnamon mixture uniformly.
  6. Carefully roll dough from the long edge toward the bottom, creating a tight log. Slice into 1½ inch sections and arrange in prepared baking pan.
  7. Allow rolls to rise again for 30 minutes, or until they’ve nearly doubled in size.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 minutes or until rolls achieve a golden-brown color.
  9. During baking, prepare icing by combining ingredients and whipping with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  10. Once baked, immediately spread warm icing generously over the rolls while still hot.

Notes

  • Customize the dough texture by gradually adding flour to achieve a soft, slightly sticky consistency that’s easy to work with.
  • Ensure optimal rising by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water nearby.
  • Slice rolls precisely using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even cuts that maintain the roll’s shape.
  • Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free cake mix and using dairy-free butter alternatives for a more inclusive treat.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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