Go Back
+ servings
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet and cinnamon, topped with creamy frosting.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour can be used
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast ensure yeast is fresh for best results
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar coconut sugar works as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed cocoa for richer color
  • 1 teaspoon salt sea salt or kosher salt is ideal
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F, non-dairy milk can substitute
  • 1 cup buttermilk replace with milk-vinegar mixture (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter margarine can be used for dairy-free option
  • 2 large eggs flax eggs can substitute for vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel preferred, beet juice for natural option
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract opt for pure vanilla for better quality
For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon substitute with nutmeg if desired
  • 1 cup brown sugar white sugar can be an alternative
  • 1/2 cup softened butter for creating filling
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese dairy-free cream cheese can replace
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar adjust to achieve desired sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • milk to reach desired frosting consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking dish
  • Rolling Pin
  • Oven
  • whisk
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm milk (110°F) with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix in the yeast mixture, then knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
  2. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size and is puffy.
  3. While the dough is rising, mix together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder in a small bowl.
  4. Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16x12 inches. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one short side to the other.
  5. Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they are snug against one another. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes until they are puffy and touching.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
  7. While the rolls are baking, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly—about 10 minutes—before generously drizzling the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Knead the dough well for perfect texture; check yeast freshness for fluffy rolls. Ensure warm milk is at 110°F for optimal yeast activation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!