Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Morning Joy

Tucked inside a warm kitchen, red velvet cinnamon rolls whisper sweet promises of indulgence.

Soft dough swirls with rich crimson hues and delicate spice notes.

Comfort wraps around every tender spiral like a familiar embrace.

Bakers discover magic when chocolate and cinnamon dance together in perfect harmony.

Delightful aromas will drift through your home, tempting everyone nearby.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this incredible recipe.

Prepare to transform an ordinary morning into an extraordinary celebration of flavor.

Why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Are Sweet and Stunning

• Craft a Delightful Dessert: Combine the magic of red velvet cake with classic cinnamon rolls for a show-stopping treat that will impress family and friends.
• Simplify Baking Complexity: Break down the recipe into manageable steps, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Perfect for Sharing: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings people together, ideal for brunches, gatherings, or special weekend breakfast moments.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting icing thickness or adding extra toppings to make it uniquely yours and suit different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Rich Red Velvet and Sweet Swirls

• Cake Mix: Provides the foundation and unique red velvet flavor for the cinnamon rolls.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps develop the structure and texture of the dough.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the ingredients.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warm spice mixture that adds depth to the rolls.
• Melted Butter: Helps distribute the filling and adds richness to the rolls.

• Confectioners' Sugar, Butter, Vanilla Extract: Combines to make a smooth, sweet icing.
• Milk: Helps adjust the icing to the right drizzling consistency.

How to Roll, Bake, and Frost Like a Pro

Step 1: Activate the Dough Base

Grab your stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Combine cake mix, flour, and yeast.

Pour in warm water and beat everything on medium speed for 2 minutes until well blended.

Step 2: Knead and Rise the Dough

Gradually incorporate remaining flour to create a soft, sticky dough.

Gently knead the dough 6-8 times on a floured surface. Transfer to a greased bowl, turning once to coat.

Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours until the dough doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create a fragrant filling mixture.

Step 4: Roll and Spread the Filling

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×10-inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, leaving a small border.

Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Arrange Rolls

Roll the dough into a tight jelly-roll style, carefully sealing the seam.

Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan.

Cover with a towel and let rise for another hour.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until they become puffy and turn a golden brown color. Allow them to cool slightly after removing from the oven.

Step 7: Create Creamy Icing

• Confectioners' sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Milk (add gradually to reach drizzling consistency)

Spoon the icing over warm rolls, letting it beautifully cascade down the sides.

Tips for Fluffy Rolls and Cream Cheese Perfection

• Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F for activating yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Use fresh cake mix for maximum softness and rich red velvet flavor in the rolls.
• Allow adequate rising time in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help dough develop properly.
• Slice rolls with dental floss for clean, even cuts without squishing the delicate dough.
• Serve warm within 2 hours of baking for the most delectable texture and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Flavor Twists for Red Velvet Cinnamon Swirls

• Chocolate Swirl Rolls: Replace red velvet cake mix with chocolate cake mix, add dark chocolate chips inside the filling for extra richness. Drizzle melted chocolate over cream cheese frosting for decadent results.
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Rolls: Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread along the dough before adding cinnamon mixture. Create a creamy center that oozes when warm.
• Nutty Caramel Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over brown sugar filling. After baking, pour warm caramel sauce on top instead of traditional white icing for a gooey, crunchy experience.
• Berry Fusion Rolls: Mix dried cranberries or raspberries into the cinnamon-sugar filling.

Drinks and Sides That Love These Rolls

• Pair with Creamy Cream Cheese Coffee: A velvety latte perfectly complements the red velvet's rich flavor, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and smooth textures.
• Serve with Fresh Berry Compote: Tangy raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness, adding a bright, refreshing contrast to the decadent cinnamon rolls.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla provides a luxurious counterpoint to the warm, spicy rolls, enhancing the dessert's indulgent experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Moscato: A light, sweet wine with subtle bubbles elevates the red velvet's richness while cleansing the palate between bites.

How to Store These Swirly Beauties

• Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying and restore softness.
• Oven Reheat: Warm rolls at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covered with foil to prevent burning. Drizzle fresh icing after reheating for best taste and texture.

All Your Red Velvet Roll Questions—Answered

• Why is cake mix used in this recipe?

Cake mix provides a convenient base that adds moisture, softness, and subtle red velvet flavor to the cinnamon rolls, making them easier to prepare and more tender.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of slicing and placing in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let them rise.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm (not hot), which can kill the yeast. A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for proper rising. If it’s still not rising, your yeast might be inactive.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls elevate classic breakfast pastries with rich cocoa and cream cheese glaze. Heavenly swirls of crimson dough promise a luxurious morning treat for passionate bakers seeking decadent comfort.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 package red velvet cake mix
• 2.5 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast
• 1.25 cups warm water

Filling Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 cup butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend cake mix, flour, and yeast. Pour warm water and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
2. Gradually incorporate remaining flour to create a soft, tacky dough. Gently knead on a floured surface 6-8 times, then transfer to a greased bowl, rotating to coat. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately 2 hours until volume doubles.
3. Prepare the filling by whisking brown sugar and cinnamon together in a separate bowl.
4. Deflate the risen dough and roll into an 18×10-inch rectangular shape on a floured surface. Distribute melted butter evenly across the surface, leaving a narrow border. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the buttered area.
5. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, pinching the seam to seal. Slice into 12 equal segments and position cut-side up in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Drape with a kitchen towel and permit a second rise for 1 hour.
6. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until rolls are puffy and golden brown. Allow brief cooling.
7. Craft the glaze by whipping confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk until reaching a smooth, drizzling consistency. Lavishly coat warm rolls, allowing icing to cascade over edges.

Notes

• Check water temperature carefully to activate yeast correctly without killing it.
• Use instant or rapid-rise yeast for faster and more reliable rising process.
• Ensure dough rises in draft-free, warm environment around 80-85°F for optimal texture.
• If dairy-free needed, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter.
• Roll dough tightly and evenly to create consistent, uniform cinnamon rolls.
• Allow proper resting time between steps to develop rich flavor and soft texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help dough rise faster and more consistently.
• Store leftover rolls in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Warm rolls slightly before serving to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.
• Cream cheese frosting can be alternative topping for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg