Irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel); ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar

Recipe By:

Rosy Ranera

Posted:

August 26, 2025

Updated:

August 26, 2025

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Red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch are the kind of treat that make you question all your life choices—especially the one where you hadn’t whipped up a batch sooner. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with rich cinnamon and slathered in cream cheese frosting, all kissed with that iconic red hue. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing taste buds and pulling loved ones into the heart of your home.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you have fond memories tied to baking—perhaps a childhood where flour ended up on every surface, and laughter filled the air. These delightful rolls are perfect for cozy Sunday mornings or festive brunch gatherings where you want everyone’s eyes to light up. So, roll up those sleeves because we’re diving deep into this decadent adventure.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet and spicy, sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Their vibrant red color adds an impressive visual appeal that will wow your guests.
These rolls are versatile enough to serve as breakfast, dessert, or even a special treat for any occasion.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; opt for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to add depth without overwhelming sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps balance flavors and provides moisture in the dough.
Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise; it’s the magic behind fluffy rolls.
Milk: Whole milk works best; it enriches the dough and helps achieve a tender texture.
Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for mixing into the dough and spreading on top before baking.
Eggs: Provide richness and improve the overall texture; use room temperature eggs for best results.
Red Food Coloring: This is key to achieving that classic red velvet look; gel food coloring works best.

For the filling:

Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes; light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm spice flavor we all crave in cinnamon rolls.

For the cream cheese frosting:

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a tangy flavor that perfectly complements sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener creates a smooth frosting without any grittiness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by heating milk until it’s warm but not boiling—about 110°F (43°C). In a bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy—this shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add melted butter, eggs, food coloring, and half of your dry ingredients. Mix until combined before gradually adding the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle just enough flour to make it manageable but don’t overdo it—nobody likes dry rolls!

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this takes about an hour unless you’re watching TV instead of baking (no judgment here).

Step 5: Roll It Out

Once risen, punch down your dough (it’s therapeutic!). Roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface then sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon generously across it.

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up your dough tightly into a log shape. Slice this log into equal portions—about eight should do—and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Now let these beauties rise again until puffy—around another half hour will do nicely!

Finally! Step 7: Bake & Frost

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those rolls for about twenty-five minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. While they cool slightly, whip up some frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar until it’s smooth and dreamy. Slather this heavenly mixture on warm cinnamon rolls right before serving.

Transfer to plates and watch as everyone dives in like they haven’t eaten in days! Enjoy these red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch with friends or keep them all to yourself—I won’t tell!

You Must Know

These delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch are not just a treat for your taste buds; they bring joy to any breakfast table.
Customizable and visually stunning, they elevate the morning routine into a festive occasion that’s perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few rolls just for yourself.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough, letting it rise while you whip up the cream cheese frosting. Once the dough is ready, roll it out and fill it with cinnamon goodness. Bake until golden and ooey-gooey perfect!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the traditional frosting with a maple glaze or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. You can even sprinkle in some nuts or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To get that perfect roll shape, make sure your dough isn’t too sticky—flour your surface generously.
Always allow enough time for rising; this guarantees fluffy rolls.
Finally, don’t skip the frosting; it’s what makes these rolls truly special!

The first time I made Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. They declared it “the best brunch ever,” and I basked in the glory like a baking superstar!

FAQs :

What are Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch?

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. They feature a rich, velvety red dough flavored with cocoa powder and a hint of vanilla. The filling typically includes brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts or chocolate chips, creating a sweet surprise when you bite into them. Topped with cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a colorful and festive treat that stands out on any table.

How long do Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls take to prepare?

Preparing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch requires some time, but the results are worth it. The dough needs about 1 to 2 hours for rising, depending on the ambient temperature. Additionally, the mixing and baking time adds another hour. Overall, you should expect to spend around 3 hours from start to finish. However, you can speed up the process by preparing the dough ahead of time and refrigerating it before rolling.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in advance?

Yes, you can make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch in advance! To do this, prepare the rolls up until the second rise and then cover them tightly with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate them overnight or freeze them for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure they rise properly. This method allows you to enjoy freshly baked rolls without all the hassle.

What is the best way to store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

To store leftover Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch properly, allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing individual rolls wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch :

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch offer a unique and delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls that everyone will love. Made with simple ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and brown sugar, these rolls are easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Their vibrant color and rich flavor paired with creamy frosting make them a standout treat at any gathering. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, they promise satisfaction with every bite!

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