Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Treat for Any Occasion
Red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the sweet, spicy goodness of cinnamon rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls are perfect for brunch, holidays, or just as an indulgent treat. The combination of the vibrant red color, sweet cream cheese glaze, and the irresistible swirl of cinnamon makes these rolls a showstopper in any dessert or breakfast spread.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these red velvet cinnamon rolls, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and some helpful storage advice to keep them fresh. Whether you’re a fan of red velvet or cinnamon rolls, these will quickly become a favorite!
For more delightful breakfast treats, check out our Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe and for a classic red velvet dessert, try our Red Velvet Cake Recipe.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Here’s how you can make the perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon sugar filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Stir until combined. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Set it aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Starting at one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Advanced Techniques
For those who want to take their red velvet cinnamon rolls to the next level, here are some advanced tips:
1. Make the Dough in Advance:
To save time on the day of baking, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place the dough in an airtight container or bowl, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature, then continue with the rolling, filling, and baking steps.
2. Adding Flavor Variations:
For a twist on the classic red velvet flavor, try adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the dough. You could also experiment with adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
3. Swirl Patterns:
Instead of simply rolling the dough into a log, try creating intricate swirl patterns by using a knife to score the dough in a spiral before rolling it up. This creates a beautiful marbled effect in the rolls when they’re baked.
4. Drizzle Additional Toppings:
If you love extra sweetness, try drizzling a little chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the rolls after glazing them.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are best served fresh, but they can be stored and enjoyed later. Here are some tips:
Storage:
Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For a longer shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
You can freeze unbaked red velvet cinnamon rolls before the final rise. After assembling the rolls and placing them in a baking dish, cover them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then allow them to rise for 30 minutes before baking. You can also freeze fully baked rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Reheating:
To reheat leftover rolls, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. You can also drizzle a little more cream cheese glaze on top before reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
You can easily adapt the red velvet cinnamon rolls recipe to suit various dietary preferences:
1. Dairy-Free Version:
To make the rolls dairy-free, substitute the butter in the dough with a plant-based butter or margarine. For the cream cheese glaze, use a dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk.
2. Gluten-Free Version:
To make these rolls gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also use gluten-free baking powder if needed. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough may not rise as much as traditional dough, but it will still be delicious.
3. Vegan Version:
To make these rolls vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) instead of regular milk. Replace the cream cheese glaze with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based butter.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough for convenience. Look for pre-made cinnamon roll dough, and simply follow the steps for rolling, filling, and baking. You’ll still get delicious results.
2. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without food coloring?
While the red color is traditional for red velvet, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer. The rolls will still taste wonderful, though they won’t have the signature red hue.
3. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and continuing with the recipe.
4. How can I make the glaze thicker?
To make the glaze thicker, simply add less milk or more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of soft, fluffy rolls and the indulgent flavor of red velvet cake. These rolls are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or a comforting weekend breakfast. With a rich cinnamon filling, vibrant red dough, and a sweet cream cheese glaze, they’re sure to be a hit.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade cinnamon rolls for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results. Enjoy these delightful rolls fresh from the oven, and savor every sweet, cinnamon-y bite!