Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

There is something truly magical about indulging in a warm, gooey batch of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that instantly turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Picture soft, tender rolls tinted a luscious red, swirled with a perfect balance of cinnamon and cocoa, and crowned with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese icing that melts into every curve. This recipe captures the cozy spirit of classic cinnamon rolls but elevates it with the vibrant hues and subtle richness of red velvet. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or an indulgent weekend treat, these rolls promise to be the star of your table and a new favorite to share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because every ingredient plays a crucial role — from lending structure and moisture to delivering that signature red hue and luscious flavor.

• Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F): Gently warmed to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp or 1 packet): The magical ingredient that helps the dough rise beautifully fluffy.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Red gel food dye (1 tsp): Gives those rolls their iconic red velvet color with concentrated pigment.
• All-purpose flour (4 1/4 cups): The base that provides structure and chew.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Infuses that subtle chocolate undertone classic to red velvet.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• White granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter (10 tbsp, room temperature): Incorporated into the dough for tenderness and richness.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): For blending into the cinnamon filling to keep it luscious.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice that beautifully balances sweetness with warmth.
• Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Poured over rolls before baking to create tender, creamy bites.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): For the irresistible tangy cream cheese icing.
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, room temperature): Creams with the cheese for smooth, rich frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): Sweet and silky, perfect for a shiny finish on the icing.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese frosting.
• Milk (2 tbsp): Adjusts the consistency of the icing for easy spreading.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk until it hits about 110°F, just comfortably warm to the touch. Pour the milk into a small bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant, signaling the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into cubes, then use a pastry blender or clean fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until you achieve pea-sized bits. This process is essential to create the tender, flaky texture in your dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the milk mixture, lightly beaten eggs, and red gel food coloring to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything starts coming together, forming a shaggy dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the dough transform into a bright red, soft, and elastic ball — the hallmark of a perfect red velvet cinnamon roll dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Preheat your oven to 200°F, then lightly spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Transfer the dough ball into the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in the warm oven for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for light and fluffy rolls.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the luscious cinnamon filling. Beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. It will be thick — the perfect spread for swirls of warmth and sweetness.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, roll your dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This shape gives you more cinnamon rolls with optimal spiral layers!

Step 8: Spread Filling and Roll Up

Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon filling all the way to the edges of the dough. Starting at the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log — rolling this way creates more cinnamon swirls in each roll.

Step 9: Cut Into Rolls

Trim any uneven ends, then use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife with gentle sawing motions to cut the log into 12 even rolls. Using floss helps keep the shapes clean without squishing the dough.

Step 10: Second Rise

Spray a 9×14 inch pan with nonstick spray and place the rolls inside, leaving a little space to expand. Cover with a towel and let them rise for about 20 minutes.

Step 11: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pour the heavy cream around the rolls in the pan to add moisture and richness during baking. Bake the rolls for 25 to 27 minutes, until their tops are lightly golden and the center reaches 160°F. The smell alone is pure bliss!

Step 12: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together on high until perfectly smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and milk, mixing until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 13: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls come out of the oven, generously spread the cream cheese icing while the rolls are still warm. This allows the icing to melt into every nook and cranny, creating a luscious finish that will have you swooning.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra special touch, consider sprinkling crushed pecans, festive edible glitter, or a dusting of extra cocoa powder on top of the cream cheese icing. A few fresh raspberries or a light drizzle of white chocolate can also beautifully complement the red velvet notes.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a simple fresh fruit salad for a bright contrast or a steaming cup of rich coffee or spiced chai tea. For a brunch spread, include scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the indulgent sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cinnamon rolls in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment, arrange them on a colorful ceramic platter for a pop of contrast, or serve each roll in a pretty cupcake liner for easy individual portions. Wrapping one in decorative parchment paper makes for a delightful homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to cover them well to keep that moisture locked in.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before baking or after baking and frosting. For unbaked rolls, freeze on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked rolls, freeze individually wrapped and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Rewarm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped with foil for 10 to 15 minutes. Reheat gently to preserve the soft, tender crumb and creamy icing.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease. Combine your wet and dry ingredients, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What can I substitute for red gel food dye?

If you prefer natural alternatives, beet juice powder or puree works well to achieve a similar red velvet color, although the hue may be less vibrant. Adjust the amount gradually to avoid altering the dough’s texture.

Is there a way to make these cinnamon rolls ahead for a special occasion?

Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon rolls completely through the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bake and frost fresh for the best taste and fluff.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the icing?

While it’s possible, full-fat cream cheese provides the creamiest, richest texture essential to the luscious feel of the icing. Low-fat versions might result in a thinner, less stable frosting.

What’s the best way to get even cinnamon rolls?

Using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough is the secret! It cuts smoothly without squashing the layers, ensuring each roll looks neat and bakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to start your day or impress guests than with a batch of these vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. The combination of bold red color, cinnamon spice, and tangy frosting is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved tradition you can’t wait to share again and again.

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