Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Joy

Sweet, pillowy dough swirled with rich red velvet cinnamon rolls promise a decadent breakfast treat that makes mornings magical.

Soft, crimson-hued spirals burst with warm spices and cocoa undertones.

These rolls combine classic comfort with luxurious elegance in every single bite.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that melts right into each tender layer.

Bakery-style indulgence emerges straight from your kitchen with minimal effort.

The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon and chocolate will draw everyone to the breakfast table.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a morning masterpiece that everyone will adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients List for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

For The Dough Base:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: Infuses rich color and subtle chocolate undertones, choose a high-quality mix for deeper flavor complexity.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps achieve soft, tender texture, select unbleached flour for better performance.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for rising and creating airy texture, ensure yeast is fresh and not expired for optimal results.
  • Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough, use temperature around 110°F for perfect activation.
For Filling And Enhancing:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel-like sweetness, opt for dark brown sugar for deeper flavor profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice, choose fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for vibrant taste.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds richness, use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
For Creamy Topping:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Provides smooth, silky icing texture, sift to remove lumps for perfect consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth, use pure vanilla for best flavor.
  • Milk: Helps adjust icing consistency, use whole milk for richer taste.

Kitchen Tools for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating dough.
  • Electric Mixer: Needed to beat ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Rolling Pin: Perfect for rolling out dough into a thin rectangle.
  • 13×9-inch Baking Pan: Crucial for baking and shaping the cinnamon rolls.
  • Kitchen Towel: Used to cover rolls during second rising period.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading melted butter on dough.
  • Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Helps cut dough into even roll slices.
  • Spatula: Useful for mixing icing and transferring rolls.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Baking Instructions

Cozy Red Velvet Swirl Delights

  • Dough Preparation

Gather cake mix, flour, and yeast into a mixing bowl. Pour warm water and blend until smooth and silky. Add remaining flour gradually to create a soft, slightly clingy dough.

  • Dough Resting

Transfer dough to a floured surface and gently shape. Place in a greased bowl, covering it to rest in a warm spot. Allow the dough to expand and double in size during a peaceful two-hour nap.

  • Flavor Layering

Roll the relaxed dough into a wide, thin rectangle. Lovingly brush with melted butter, leaving a small border. Sprinkle a delightful mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon across the surface.

  • Rolling Magic

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a beautiful spiral. Seal the edge and slice into soft, plump rounds.

  • Baking Transformation

Arrange the swirls in a baking pan, allowing them a final rise. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until golden and puffy.

  • Creamy Finish

Whip together a silky glaze using powdered sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle the sweet topping over warm rolls, creating a tempting treat that beckons everyone to the table.

Tips for Better Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

  • Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist and nutty flavor profile.
  • Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast treat.
  • Experiment with different cake mix variations like chocolate or strawberry to create unique cinnamon roll experiences.
  • Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to enjoy later.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit over the filling before rolling for extra texture and flavor excitement.

Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Like This

  • Breakfast Companion Delight: Pair these red velvet cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate for a luxurious morning treat that feels like pure indulgence.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve these stunning rolls as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch spread, complemented by fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon for a balanced meal.
  • Decadent Dessert Option: Transform these rolls into an after-dinner dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce on top for added richness.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these rolls in cute bakery boxes tied with ribbon for a delightful homemade gift that will make friends and family feel truly special.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Storage Guide

  • Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare these red velvet cinnamon rolls early in the morning for a delightful breakfast or brunch that keeps everyone excited about the day.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, perfect for future sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Quick Reheating Hack: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.
Print
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Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls combine classic Southern charm with indulgent bakery magic. Cream cheese frosting and deep crimson dough create irresistible breakfast pastries you cannot resist experiencing.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)
  • 2.5 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast (0.25 oz package)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1.25 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 0.25 cup butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsps butter (softened)
  • 3 to 5 tbsps 2% milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Combine red velvet cake mix, flour, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add warm water and mix until a smooth batter forms, gradually incorporating additional flour to create a soft, slightly tacky dough.
  2. Initial Proofing: Knead the dough gently on a floured surface, then transfer to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm environment for approximately two hours, or until the volume doubles.
  3. Filling Creation: While dough rises, blend brown sugar and cinnamon to create a fragrant, well-mixed filling mixture.
  4. Dough Shaping: Deflate the risen dough and roll into an 18×10-inch rectangle. Brush generously with melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Rolling and Cutting: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the buttered surface. Roll tightly from the long side, creating a compact cylinder. Slice into twelve equal portions.
  6. Second Proofing: Place rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for one hour.
  7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until they become puffy and achieve a golden color, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  8. Icing Finale: Whip together confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth icing. Adjust consistency as needed. Drizzle generously over slightly cooled rolls, creating an irresistible finish.

Notes

  • Knead with Care: Gentle kneading develops gluten structure without overworking the dough, ensuring soft and tender rolls.
  • Temperature Matters: Use warm (not hot) water to activate yeast without killing it, aiming for around 110°F for optimal fermentation.
  • Rising Environment: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise consistently and effectively.
  • Icing Consistency: Control the milk quantity gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling texture – start with small amounts and adjust as needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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