Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Buttery soft rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. So addictive!

Red velvet is the epitome of elegance in the baking world. Known for its rich cocoa notes, vibrant red hue, and moist, buttery texture, it has graced cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for decades. But what happens when you take that classic flavor profile and infuse it into warm, gooey cinnamon rolls? You get a luxurious twist on a breakfast staple: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.

These ruby-red rolls are soft and pillowy, filled with sweet cinnamon swirls, and crowned with a luscious cream cheese topping that melts right into the crevices of the warm rolls. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, brunch with friends, or a weekend treat, these rolls are sure to impress.

Ingredients (U.S. Cup Measurements)

Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons red food coloring (or adjust to desired shade)

Filling:

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Active Prep: 25 minutes
First Rise: 1 – 1.5 hours
Second Rise: 30 – 45 minutes
Bake Time: 20 – 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Calories

Per roll: Approx. 310–340 kcal
Note: Calorie estimate includes frosting and may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and thickness of frosting applied.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Begin by combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder—in a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add it to the dry mixture along with the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Using a dough hook on a stand mixer (or your hands if kneading manually), mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but be careful not to over-flour—it should be slightly tacky.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. This will be the sweet swirl that creates that classic cinnamon roll interior.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 14×10 inches.

Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling mixture across the dough, ensuring full coverage from edge to edge. This layer adds sweetness, spice, and gooey texture.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 even rolls.

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure they’re spaced evenly but not too tightly together—they need room to rise again.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size again.

This second rise ensures the rolls bake up light and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the rolls. You want the centers to be soft and tender.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable. For a tangier flavor, add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice or zest.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for 5–10 minutes (just enough so they’re not piping hot), spread the frosting generously over the top.

Optionally, sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for decoration.

Serve warm and enjoy the heavenly aroma and texture of your creation.

Expert Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs or butter can inhibit yeast activation. Let everything come to room temp before mixing.
Red Food Coloring
Gel coloring tends to be more vibrant than liquid. Use what gives you that signature red velvet hue.
Test the Dough
You’ll know the dough is kneaded enough when it springs back slightly when pressed and doesn’t tear easily when stretched.
Make Ahead Option
After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temp for about 45 minutes before baking.
Use Bread Flour for Extra Softness
If you want slightly chewier rolls, substitute ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
Flavor Boosters
Add a hint of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor, or sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling for a nutty crunch.
Frosting Variations
Not a fan of cream cheese? Try a vanilla glaze or whipped buttercream instead.

Perfect For…

Valentine’s Day
Brunch Parties
Holiday Baking
Dessert Buffets
Special Birthdays or Anniversaries

Their rich color and indulgent texture make these rolls a show-stopping centerpiece wherever they appear.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of tradition and innovation. The cocoa-infused dough paired with creamy frosting and warm spices creates a decadent breakfast or dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. They offer everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—with a stunning twist that’s perfect for celebrations and cozy mornings alike.

So roll up your sleeves (and your dough), and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these unforgettable, picture-perfect pastries. You might just start a new favorite tradition.