There’s something truly enchanting about the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home, especially when those rolls are red velvet cinnamon rolls. The rich color and the sweet, spicy scent bring out a wave of nostalgia and celebration, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or just looking for a delightful dessert to indulge in on a leisurely Sunday morning, these rolls give you a blend of buttery, sweet, and creamy goodness that will elevate your baking experience without taking all day.
What makes red velvet cinnamon rolls especially tempting is the combination of the iconic red velvet flavor with the warm notes of cinnamon. These rolls are not just visually stunning; they taste as good as they look. With a soft texture complemented by a sweet cream cheese frosting, they manage to feel festive and cozy at the same time. Perfect for birthdays, holiday brunches, or just as a special weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to impress.
Why you’ll love this
- The delightful combination of flavors in each bite.
- They’re easier to make than you might think.
- Perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch.
- The vibrant color makes for a stunning presentation.
- Leftovers (if any) can be easily stored for later enjoyment.
"These rolls are absolutely delicious and perfect for any celebration!"
Step-by-step overview
Making red velvet cinnamon rolls involves mixing together the dough, allowing it to rise, and then forming the rolls. After baking them to perfection, you finish these rolls with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a treat that’s sure to be the star of any meal.
What you’ll need for red velvet cinnamon rolls
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the dough.
- Cake flour: Adds tenderness with a finer texture.
- Buttermilk: Gives rolls a tender crumb and a slight tang.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, enriching the dough.
- Cream cheese frosting: A must for that classic sweet finish.
Cooking method
Making these red velvet cinnamon rolls is an enjoyable process that results in homemade goodness. Start by preparing your dough, letting it rise, and forming your delicious rolls.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead this mixture until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into even rolls with a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve fresh out of the oven.
Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into rolls for clean edges without squishing them.
The rolls should have a golden color on top when they are ready, with a soft pillowy feel when you touch them.
Helpful cooking tips
- Knead with care: Knead the dough just until it’s smooth; over-kneading can make them tough.
- Warm environment: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free space for optimal results.
- Right texture: The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet; adjust with flour if necessary.
- Check doneness: The rolls should spring back when lightly pressed, indicating a tender, fluffy interior.
- Frost when warm: Frost the rolls while they’re still warm for the best melting and soaking effect.
Best ways to enjoy it
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are best served fresh out of the oven, while they’re still warm and the frosting is melty. Complement them with a hot cup of coffee, or enjoy them alongside a creamy vanilla latte. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Storage & reheating tips
To store leftovers, place any uneaten rolls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, or pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their soft texture.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If your cinnamon rolls turn out less than perfect, don’t worry. Here are some fixes for common issues you might face:
- Dry rolls: If your rolls come out dry, consider adding a bit more buttermilk next time, or reduce the baking time slightly.
- Bland flavor: Adjust the amount of sugar or spices to enhance the flavor profile of the rolls.
- Too dense: If the rolls feel heavy, ensure that your yeast is fresh, or allow for an extended rising time.
- Soggy bottom: This can happen if rolls are underbaked; make sure to check for that golden brown color.
Recipe variations
The beauty of red velvet cinnamon rolls lies in their versatility. You can experiment with different fillings or frostings to suit your taste:
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate lovers: Mix cocoa powder into the dough or add chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon mixture for a more complex spice profile.
- Cream cheese filling: For a richer flavor, spread cream cheese instead of the butter before sprinkling the sugar and cinnamon.
Common questions
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, a bread machine can streamline the process, especially for mixing and letting the dough rise. Follow your machine’s directions for similar bread recipes.
How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls up until the second rise, cover them well, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your liquids are warm, not hot, as overheating can kill the yeast. If you’re having trouble, try placing your dough in a warmer spot.
Is it possible to freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Bake the rolls, let them cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
Can I replace the cream cheese frosting?
Certainly! If you prefer a more classic cinnamon roll taste, vanilla icing or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk works beautifully.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead this mixture until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into even rolls with a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden and cooked through.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve fresh out of the oven.