Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Looking for the ultimate brunch showstopper or Valentine’s Day breakfast idea? Red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the rich, chocolatey taste of red velvet cake with the gooey comfort of classic cinnamon rolls. These indulgent pastries are soft, vibrant, and smothered in luscious cream cheese frosting—perfect for when you want something both beautiful and delicious.

What sets them apart is their irresistible texture and the balance of cocoa, cinnamon, and buttermilk-based dough. With their festive flair and bakery-style taste, these rolls are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or cozy weekends at home.

To ensure perfect rolls every time, it helps to understand the fundamentals of working with yeast dough. If you’re new to baking with yeast, this beginner’s guide to yeast is a great place to start.

And if you’ve ever worried about that signature red hue turning out dull or bitter-tasting, check out this food coloring guide to choose the right coloring (spoiler: gel food coloring works best).

🧁 What Are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a fusion of two iconic desserts:

The mild cocoa flavor and bright red hue of red velvet cake
The buttery, spiced swirls of classic cinnamon rolls

The result? Rolls that are fluffy, aromatic, and slightly tangy thanks to ingredients like buttermilk and cream cheese. The bright red dough wrapped around a cinnamon-sugar filling makes for a picture-perfect and delicious treat.

🛒 Ingredients & What They Do

Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Dough:

All-purpose flour – structure and softness

Cocoa powder – that signature red velvet flavor
Buttermilk – adds richness and slight tang
Instant yeast – helps the dough rise

Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough
Eggs – adds richness and structure
Unsalted butter – makes the rolls tender

Red food coloring – gives the dough its deep red color

Filling:

Brown sugar – caramel notes and depth
Ground cinnamon – warmth and spice

Butter – creates a gooey swirl

Frosting:

Cream cheese – tangy and smooth
Powdered sugar – sweetness and thickness

Vanilla extract – adds aroma

💡 Tip: For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

1. Make the Dough

Warm the buttermilk until lukewarm (about 100°F).

Whisk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast (skip this step for instant yeast).
Mix in eggs, food coloring, melted butter, and cocoa.
Gradually mix in flour and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

2. Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll out dough into a rectangle (~14×20 inches).

Spread softened butter over the dough.
Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

3. Roll & Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long side.

Slice into 12 even pieces using dental floss or a serrated knife.

4. Proof & Bake

Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden.

5. Frost the Rolls

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread over warm rolls.

💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Use room temperature ingredients for better dough formation.
Avoid over-kneading, which makes the dough tough.
For cleaner cuts, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.

Let the dough proof in a warm, draft-free environment.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

While red velvet cinnamon rolls aren’t difficult to make, a few common missteps can impact their texture, rise, or flavor. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your rolls turn out soft, gooey, and bakery-worthy every time.

1. Using Cold Ingredients

Cold buttermilk, eggs, or butter can slow yeast activity, resulting in dense rolls. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for optimal dough rise.

2. Overheating the Liquid

If your buttermilk or milk is too hot (over 110°F), it can kill the yeast. Aim for lukewarm (around 100°F) to activate the yeast without damaging it.

3. Adding Too Much Flour

It’s tempting to keep adding flour if the dough feels sticky—but resist! Too much flour leads to tough, dry rolls. The dough should be slightly tacky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Skipping the Second Rise

Don’t rush the proofing process. The second rise after shaping the rolls is crucial for fluffiness. Underproofed rolls will bake up dense and flat.

5. Overbaking

Dry rolls often come from baking too long. Start checking at the 25-minute mark. Rolls are ready when the tops are golden and the internal temperature hits 190°F.

6. Applying Frosting to Cold Rolls

For that ooey-gooey finish, always spread cream cheese frosting over warm—not hot or cold—rolls. Too hot, and it melts off; too cold, and it won’t spread well.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll bake red velvet cinnamon rolls that are pillowy-soft, perfectly risen, and loaded with flavor—every time.

📦 How to Store & Reheat

Short-Term:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Long-Term:

Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Microwave for 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

🧁 Fun Variations to Try

One of the best parts about red velvet cinnamon rolls is how easy they are to customize. With a little creativity, you can turn this classic into something uniquely your own. Whether you want to add a fruity twist, chocolatey depth, or make it more festive, here are some fun variations to try:

🍫 1. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls

Enhance the indulgence by sprinkling semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling. As they bake, the chocolate melts into gooey ribbons throughout the dough.

🍓 2. Berry Cream Cheese Filling

Add a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry preserves on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer for a fruity surprise. The tang of berries complements the richness of cream cheese frosting beautifully.

🎂 3. Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Instead of slicing individual rolls, arrange the spirals snugly in a round cake pan to bake as one giant pull-apart cake. Once baked, drizzle with frosting and slice like a dessert cake.

💕 4. Heart-Shaped Rolls

For Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, shape each roll into a heart before the second proof. They’re perfect for gifting or serving at a romantic brunch.

🌱 5. Vegan Red Velvet Rolls

Swap dairy ingredients for plant-based versions: almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese. Use flax eggs instead of eggs to keep the dough tender and egg-free.

🌰 6. Nutty Delight

Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts inside the filling or over the top for a crunchy texture that balances the soft dough.

🧁 7. Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Bites

Use half the dough per roll to make bite-sized minis—ideal for party platters or brunch buffets.

Each of these fun takes adds something new to the base recipe, letting you tailor your red velvet cinnamon rolls to any mood or occasion.

🍽 Nutritional Information

Each red velvet cinnamon roll (with frosting) contains approximately:

Calories: 330–400
Fat: 12–18g

Carbs: 45–55g
Sugar: 25–30g

✅ Pair with:

Fresh berries
Cappuccino or espresso
Sparkling water with lemon

🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion

Valentine’s Day breakfast
Weekend brunch
Baby showers or bridal parties

Bake sales or gift baskets

🎁 Pro Tip: Wrap cooled rolls in parchment and place in decorative boxes for sweet edible gifts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and place them in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can knead by hand—just expect a slightly longer process.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and the liquids aren’t too hot (which kills yeast).

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute: add 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, let sit for 5 minutes.

How do I make the red color vibrant without a bitter taste?

Use high-quality gel food coloring. Avoid using too much liquid dye, which can affect dough texture.

📄 Printable Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients:

3½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp cocoa powder
2¼ tsp instant yeast
¾ cup buttermilk

2 eggs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (divided)

Red gel food coloring
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Frosting: cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla

Instructions:

Prepare dough and let it rise.

Roll out and fill with cinnamon mixture.
Slice and proof.
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

Frost with cream cheese glaze.

✨ Final Thoughts

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. From the vibrant, cocoa-infused dough to the buttery cinnamon swirl and the irresistible cream cheese frosting, each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, a weekend brunch with loved ones, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, they always deliver warmth and wow-factor.

What makes this recipe shine is its versatility. You can prep the dough in advance, adjust the filling to your liking, or even experiment with creative toppings. Plus, the beautiful presentation makes it an ideal gift or potluck favorite. With just a little effort and the right tips, you’ll master a bakery-style treat right in your own kitchen.

If you loved this recipe, consider exploring other cinnamon-forward ideas like Sweet Cinnamon Twists or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls to expand your baking game.

So preheat that oven, dust off your rolling pin, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of these show-stopping rolls. Once you try them, red velvet cinnamon rolls just might become your new favorite tradition.