Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for both cinnamon rolls and the classic red velvet flavor, then you absolutely need to try this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that turns a cozy morning into a special occasion, with that tender, slightly chocolatey dough swirled with a warm cinnamon filling, all crowned with the creamiest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and thirds) every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines classic baking staples with a few special touches like the tangzhong and red gel food coloring to give your cinnamon rolls incredible texture and that signature red velvet hue. Make sure you grab some quality cream cheese because that frosting WILL steal the show!

• Bread flour: It gives your dough the perfect chewiness and structure compared to all-purpose flour.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: The combo adds richness and tenderness.
• White vinegar: Helps tenderize the dough and enhances the creaminess of the tangzhong.
• Instant yeast: For reliable rise and that light, airy texture.
• Cocoa powder: A subtle chocolate note that rounds out the red velvet flavor.
• Red gel food coloring: Gives your rolls that classic vibrant color without affecting the dough too much.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing—both in the dough and filling.
• Granulated and brown sugar: Brown sugar in the filling adds caramel notes, which pairs amazingly with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of the filling’s warmth and spice.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds a sweet floral aroma that lifts the entire recipe.
• Cream cheese: Use full-fat for that rich, tangy frosting that you’ll want to spread generously.
• Powdered sugar: Makes for a smooth, silky frosting texture.

Variations

I love making these rolls just as written, but I’ve also played around with a few tweaks depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize — that’s part of the fun!

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling gives a lovely crunch and a toasty flavor, which my family absolutely adores.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream and butter with non-dairy alternatives like full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter; just know your rolls may be a bit denser but still delicious!
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosting for an extra indulgence.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom can add subtle holiday warmth to the filling — perfect for festive mornings.

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

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong for Extra Softness

Start by whisking together water and bread flour in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking constantly for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth, pudding-like paste — this is your tangzhong. It’s a Japanese technique I discovered that locks in moisture, so your rolls stay soft for days. Once done, scrape it into a bowl and let it cool while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Your Dough Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, and vinegar — the vinegar will give a tender texture by slightly acidifying the milk. In your stand mixer’s bowl, whisk together bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt. Then add the milk mixture, one large egg, vanilla paste, your cooled tangzhong, and red gel coloring. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until it forms a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Knead

Now, add softened butter a little at a time — about half a tablespoon per addition — letting it fully incorporate before adding more. This slow process ensures the dough is rich and silky. Keep kneading for 10-12 minutes until your dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. I like to do the “windowpane test” here — gently stretch the dough, and if you can see light through it without tearing, you’re golden.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest

Shape the dough into a smooth ball by folding the edges underneath, then pop it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes — this short rest makes the dough easier to roll out.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Mix together softened butter, packed light brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean paste until you get a smooth spreadable paste. I usually mix this by hand with a spatula to keep it rustic and easy to spread.

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Cut

Flour your work surface lightly and roll the dough into a 15 by 21-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly to the edges — this is where that offset spatula really comes in handy. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip tightly away from you and place seam side down in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until doubled.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Bake the rolls for 28-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the center reaches 185°F. The smell at this point is absolutely intoxicating! Let the pan cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar gradually. Keep mixing on low speed until fluffy, then stir in vanilla and heavy cream. This frosting is creamy and tangy with just the right sweetness — I always sneak a spoonful before spreading it on the rolls!

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes so the frosting melts into the swirls — that’s when the magic happens. Serve warm, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare to fall in love.

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

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of festive red, white, or pink nonpareils when serving these rolls at holiday brunches. Fresh strawberries or raspberries also add a lovely pop of color and slightly tart contrast to the sweet cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit salad, a batch of crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a perfect sweet-and-savory brunch spread. A strong cup of black coffee or chai tea balances out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these rolls stacked on a pretty cake stand with scattered edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment makes for cute grab-and-go gifts too — everyone loves receiving these homemade treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might not happen!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they stay wonderfully soft for up to 4 days, perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon treats throughout the week.

Freezing

I love freezing unbaked rolled and sliced dough on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking. You can also freeze fully baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container—just thaw and reheat gently!

Reheating

To revive leftover rolls, I heat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, 30-second bursts in the microwave work too, just watch carefully so the frosting doesn’t melt completely off. Always tasty warm, but they’re still delightful at room temp!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has a way of bringing everyone to the kitchen — it’s the kind of treat that feels both comforting and special. I love how the subtle cocoa blends with the cinnamon spice, wrapped up in the most tender dough thanks to the tangzhong technique. The cream cheese frosting? Pure bliss. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a lazy weekend morning, or just because, I promise these rolls will become a favorite in your rotation. Give them a try and prepare for some very happy smiles around the table!

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