There’s something undeniably special about the combination of red velvet and cinnamon. The rich, velvety texture of the dough paired with the warm, spiced filling creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. These Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
The first time I made these, I was hosting a holiday brunch and wanted something that would wow my guests. The vibrant red color and the aroma of cinnamon baking in the oven immediately drew everyone to the kitchen. The rolls were gone within minutes, and I knew I had a winner on my hands.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull it off. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
The cream cheese glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the rolls. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this festive, flavorful, and oh-so-easy recipe. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your taste buds will thank you.
These Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on a classic treat. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with the rich flavor of red velvet and warm cinnamon. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making them irresistible.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
What sets these rolls apart is their vibrant color and unique flavor. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t get enough of them.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, this is it. Easy, delicious, and visually stunning, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try.
Exciting Story:
I’ll never forget the first time I made these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. It was Christmas morning, and I wanted to surprise my family with something special. As the rolls baked, the aroma of cinnamon and cocoa filled the house, and everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager to see what I was making.
When I pulled the rolls out of the oven, their vibrant red color and glossy cream cheese glaze made them look like something from a magazine. My kids’ eyes lit up, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about how good they smelled.
The first bite was pure magic. The soft, fluffy dough, the warm cinnamon filling, and the tangy cream cheese glaze created a flavor explosion that had everyone reaching for seconds. Since that day, these rolls have become a holiday tradition in our house.
Why These Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Selling Points:
- Festive and Fun: The vibrant red color makes these rolls perfect for holidays and special occasions.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all skill levels.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cinnamon is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these rolls are sure to disappear quickly.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
What You Need For Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.
- Bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Tips For Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
- Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the dough.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk.
- Add-Ins: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar.
- Use low-fat cream cheese for the glaze.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:
And there you have it! These Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive, flavorful treat that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your rolls turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delicious inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking, then thaw and bake when ready.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can skip it, but the rolls won’t have the signature red velvet color.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, but you’ll need to proof it in warm milk first.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, just knead the dough by hand until smooth.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls?
Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Can I add cocoa powder to the dough?
Yes, add 1-2 tbsp for a deeper chocolate flavor.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Cover them with foil while baking if they start to brown too quickly.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, try a simple powdered sugar glaze or maple glaze.
What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Can I make mini rolls?
Yes, cut the dough into smaller slices and adjust baking time accordingly.
Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Course: Cake, Dessert, Occasions4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- For the Dough:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
½ tsp salt
½ cup milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warmed milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.
- Bake: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.