If you're craving a show-stopping breakfast or dessert that combines a tender crumb with a touch of indulgence, then this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls marry the classic cinnamon swirl with the irresistible richness of red velvet, all topped with irresistibly creamy vanilla bean frosting. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want to make them again and again!

A close-up view of several bright red cinnamon rolls arranged in a white pan on a white marbled surface, each roll showing a swirl pattern of red dough with dark filling inside. The cinnamon rolls are topped with creamy white icing generously spread on top, dripping down the sides, and scattered with small red, pink, and white heart and star-shaped sprinkles. One cinnamon roll in the center is partly eaten, revealing a spongy, soft red texture inside with dripping icing. The focus is sharp on the rolls with a slight blur in the background, creating a cozy and sweet feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell in love with this recipe the moment I pulled the tray from the oven. The balance of flavors and textures is just perfection, and the process is surprisingly fun!

Unique Flavor Combo: The subtle cocoa in the red velvet dough pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar filling for a decadent twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
From Scratch Goodness: No shortcuts here—you’ll get the satisfaction of baking these delicious rolls entirely from scratch, including the tangzhong for extra softness.
Silky Cream Cheese Frosting: The vanilla bean frosting isn't just a topping; it seeps right into the rolls, adding luscious creaminess in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a holiday treat, these rolls make a stunning centerpiece that everyone will love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get those soft, fluffy, and vibrantly red cinnamon rolls, you'll want to choose your ingredients carefully. Using quality dairy and real vanilla bean paste really elevates the flavor. Also, I highly recommend using gel food coloring for that perfect red without altering the dough’s texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with fresh water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing white vinegar, a neat pile of loosely stacked fresh bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of dark cocoa powder, two teaspoons of instant yeast granules arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with vivid red gel food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl holding soft unsalted butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl containing vanilla bean paste, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with powdered sugar, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Water: Essential for making the tangzhong, which boosts moisture and softness in the dough.
Bread Flour: Its higher protein content helps create that perfect chewy yet tender roll structure.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough, balancing out the acidity.
Heavy Cream: Contributes creaminess and fat that make the rolls extra tender.
White Vinegar: Slightly curdles the dairy mixture, helping to tenderize the dough and deepen the red velvet flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough lightly for flavor balance.
Cocoa Powder: A must for that signature red velvet chocolate hint in the dough and filling.
Instant Yeast: The yeast that makes these rolls fluffy and light after proofing.
Fine Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
Egg: Adds richness and helps with structure.
Red Gel Food Coloring: Provides the vibrant red color without watering down the dough.
Unsalted Butter: Used throughout—for the dough, filling, and frosting—adding richness and tenderness.
Light Brown Sugar: Its molasses adds depth to the cinnamon filling flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: The classic warm spice in the filling that pairs magically with cocoa and vanilla.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Boosts the frosting and filling with natural vanilla flavor and little flecks of vanilla bean.
Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, providing tang and creaminess that balance the sweetness perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting, helping it spread smoothly over the warm rolls.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste and seasonal cravings. Whether you want to dial up the spice or add a little extra indulgence, these rolls are super versatile and forgiving.

Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: I love adding an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a richer chocolatey punch. It complements the red velvet base beautifully and makes each bite decadently smooth.
Berry Swirl: For a fruity flair, try adding a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough. It gives a subtle tartness that balances the sweet cream cheese frosting perfectly.
Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for some delightful crunch. I often do this when hosting brunch, and it always gets rave reviews.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based milks like oat or almond, and use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative. The rolls will still be soft and flavorful—delicious for anyone avoiding dairy!
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the filling mix to create warm, cozy flavors perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A single red velvet cinnamon roll sits on a white plate with a creamy white icing spread over the top, adorned with small red and pink heart-shaped and rod sprinkles. The roll has visible red layers spiraled tightly, with the icing slightly melted and dripping along the sides. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture, and there is a soft pinkish hue in the blurred background with scattered sprinkles adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong for Softness

Start by whisking together the water and bread flour in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens into a smooth, paste-like slurry. This tangzhong is a magic trick for insanely soft, fluffy rolls. Once ready, scrape it into a bowl and set aside to cool completely before using.

Step 2: Prep the Dairy Mixture to Boost Tenderness

In a small bowl, mix whole milk, heavy cream, and white vinegar. Setting this aside allows the mixture to curdle slightly, creating a tang that enhances the texture and flavor of your dough. This little step really makes a difference in how tender the rolls turn out.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Together

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Give it a good mix with the paddle attachment or a whisk to ensure everything’s evenly distributed. This creates the perfect foundation for your dough.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Add the milk and cream mixture, egg, cooled tangzhong, and red gel food coloring to the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook on low speed, knead for about 2 minutes until the dough forms a shaggy ball. The red gel food coloring makes the dough shimmer with that signature vibrant red without changing the texture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Butter Slowly

Now comes the fun part — add the softened unsalted butter a half tablespoon at a time. Be patient and let each addition fully incorporate before adding more. This gradual process helps your dough become supple and silky. Continue kneading on low speed for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.

Step 6: First Rise – Rest and Relax

Remove the dough from the bowl and create a smooth, tight ball by pulling the edges underneath. Place it back into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This short rest helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out later.

Step 7: Prepare the Luscious Filling

While the dough rests, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean paste in a mixing bowl. Mix until it's silky smooth and well blended. This filling is the heart of the cinnamon rolls, delivering that warm, sweet, and subtly chocolatey flavor.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough and Spread the Filling

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the rested dough into a large 15×21-inch rectangle. Dollop the filling evenly on top and spread it all the way to the edges using an offset spatula. Make sure to cover every inch so each slice bursts with flavor!

Step 9: Cut and Shape Your Rolls

Use a pizza cutter to slice the rolled dough into twelve strips, about 1 ¾ inches wide. Roll each strip tightly away from you, keeping the edge neat. Carefully place each roll into a parchment-lined 9×13 metal baking pan. This part feels so satisfying as you see your beautiful spirals take shape!

Step 10: Second Rise — Patience Pays Off

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot to rise for about 2 hours, or until the rolls have doubled in size. This is the proofing time where all the dough’s magic happens. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) so it’s ready to go.

Step 11: Bake Your Heavenly Rolls

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 28 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye for a light golden-brown top. The internal temperature in the center rolls should reach 185°F (85°C) for perfect doneness. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery in no time!

Step 12: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until light and fluffy. Then stir in vanilla bean paste and heavy cream for that silky finish. This frosting is the ultimate topper that makes these rolls irresistible.

Step 13: Cool, Frost, and Enjoy!

Let your rolls cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Spread the frosting evenly on top, then allow it to seep in by resting another 15 minutes. Serve warm — beware, these are incredibly tempting! Every bite will sing with fluffy, flavorful goodness.

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, making sure each batch is as delicious and flawless as possible. Trust me, a few simple tweaks can make a huge difference!

Perfect Dough Consistency: I always add the softened butter bit by bit, kneading thoroughly between each addition. This slow incorporation helps achieve that silky, elastic dough that bakes into perfectly tender rolls every time.
Food Coloring Choice: Using gel food coloring is a game-changer. It gives you that vibrant red velvet hue without watering down the dough or affecting texture, which I learned after some trial and error with liquid colors.
Proofing Patience: Giving the dough a full two-hour second rise at room temperature ensures your rolls puff beautifully and bake up light and fluffy instead of dense.
Measure Flour Correctly: I avoid packing flour by spooning and leveling or better yet, weighing it on a kitchen scale. This prevents overly dry dough, a mistake I've made before that made rolls tough rather than tender.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A bright red dough ball resting on a wooden surface is being rolled out with a light brown wooden rolling pin lying diagonally across it. The dough has a slightly rough texture with uneven edges and is dusted lightly with white flour specks, some scattered on the surrounding surface. The wooden surface shows natural darker and lighter brown tones with scattered white flour, creating a homey and rustic feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra touch to these already stunning rolls, sprinkle a few toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder over the cream cheese frosting. Fresh raspberries or a drizzle of white chocolate sauce also complement the red velvet flavor beautifully!

Side Dishes

Serve your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple berry compote to balance the sweetness. A warm cup of chai tea or coffee pairs perfectly, too, especially for a cozy brunch or dessert setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, where they'll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. This keeps the texture just right and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them in the pan and covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise at room temperature before baking. For baked rolls, wrap individually with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw and reheat when needed.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cinnamon rolls, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them in 30-second increments until heated through—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature before rolling, adding filling, and proceeding with the second rise and baking.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?

While gel food coloring gives the best vibrancy without altering dough texture, you can use liquid food coloring. Just be mindful it may slightly affect the dough’s consistency and color intensity.

Why do the rolls need vinegar in the dairy mixture?

The vinegar helps curdle the milk and cream slightly, which tenderizes the dough and contributes to the soft, fluffy texture that’s signature to this recipe.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the creamy vanilla bean cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully, you can also try a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate drizzle for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience, and the joy of sharing that warm, fluffy, and perfectly spiced treat with family and friends is priceless. Remember, the little attentions to detail make all the difference — whether it’s that vibrant red color or the luscious cream cheese frosting. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with sweet memories. Happy baking!