Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for red velvet cinnamon rolls! These beauties are not just your average breakfast treat; they’re a decadent whirlwind of flavors that can instantly elevate any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll swirled with sweet cinnamon and luscious cream cheese frosting – pure bliss! I whip these up for brunches, holiday gatherings, or when I’m just craving something special. Trust me, the vibrant red color alone makes them a showstopper on any table. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Once you try these red velvet cinnamon rolls, you’ll be dreaming about them long after they’re gone. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get rolling—literally! Making these red velvet cinnamon rolls is a fun adventure, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. First, you’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super crucial because we want those rolls to bake perfectly fluffy. While that’s happening, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything nicely.
Next, in another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Pour this vibrant mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until it’s all smooth and combined. Now, here’s a little tip: make sure your buttermilk and butter are at room temperature for the best results!
Once the dough is ready, gently roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Roll it up tightly and slice it into beautiful rounds. Place those slices into a greased baking dish, but don’t squish them too close together! They need room to expand as they bake. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen. Trust me, it’s heavenly!

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- The unique twist of red velvet makes them a fun and festive treat.
- Each roll is bursting with rich, chocolatey flavor and a delightful cinnamon swirl.
- Topped with creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting for that extra indulgence.
- They’re versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—any time is a good time!
- These rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser; everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
To achieve the absolute best red velvet cinnamon rolls, here are my top tips! First, make sure all your ingredients, especially the buttermilk and butter, are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, well-mixed dough. When rolling out the dough, don’t be shy—get a nice rectangle, and roll it tightly to keep those delicious swirls intact! Also, let the rolls rest for about 10 minutes after slicing before baking; this helps them puff up beautifully. Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven—bake until they’re golden brown, but not too dark. Trust me, the smell will guide you! Enjoy the process; it’s all part of the fun!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these gorgeous red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! I absolutely love pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate—seriously, it’s like a match made in dessert heaven! If you’re feeling extra fancy, try serving them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. You could even add some fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, these rolls will shine even brighter with the right accompaniments!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured some of those scrumptious red velvet cinnamon rolls (if there are any left, that is!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their delightful freshness. Simply place the leftover rolls in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up—this will make the frosting all melty and delicious! You can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Either way, you’ll be treated to a warm, gooey delight that tastes just as good as when they were freshly baked. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! But here’s a general idea of what you can expect from each delicious red velvet cinnamon roll:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
These rolls are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While I love the classic cream cheese frosting, you could try a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate ganache for a fun twist. Get creative!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out the next day.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough is sticking to your hands or the surface, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little more flour as you knead it, but try not to add too much—this will keep your rolls fluffy!
Can I freeze these red velvet cinnamon rolls? Yes, you can! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat as mentioned earlier.
Why did my rolls not rise? If your rolls didn’t rise, it might be due to old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh, and don’t forget to let the dough rest before baking for a fluffy result!
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Red velvet cinnamon rolls that will make you swoon
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the frosting, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These rolls can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls
