Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! This dreamy twist on two classic favorites weaves rich, cocoa-kissed dough with a swirl of buttery cinnamon sugar, then finishes with a silky white chocolate glaze that seals the deal. These decadent rolls burst with color and flavor, making them a jaw-dropping centerpiece for everything from Saturday brunches to holiday mornings. They’re so irresistible, you’ll want to enjoy one with your morning coffee, share with friends, or dive right in for dessert. Once you’ve had a bite of these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, breakfast just won’t be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls lies in simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one has a role to play—bringing striking color, plush texture, or that signature warmth and sweetness we all crave in a great cinnamon roll. Here’s what you’ll need for sure-fire delicious results:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: The shortcut secret to plush, cocoa-infused dough with gorgeous color and light chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Adds structure, letting your dough rise tall and fluffy.
- Warm Water (2 cups): Activates the yeast; make sure it’s comfortably warm (not hot!) to get things bubbling perfectly.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 packet): The magical leavening that makes these rolls pillowy and light.
- Extra Flour: Essential for kneading—a bit of extra dusting keeps everything from sticking.
- Cooking Spray: A quick spray ensures your dough doesn’t cling to the bowl during its rise.
- Softened Butter (1 stick): The base of your rich, flavorful cinnamon swirl—that signature gooeyness starts here!
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): For deep, caramel notes that melt into every bite.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings the necessary warmth and spice to the party.
- White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melted into a creamy glaze—they perfectly play off the red velvet notes.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (¼ cup): Adds lusciousness to the glaze, ensuring it’s pourable and ultra-smooth.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix and Activate the Yeast
Combine your warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl, giving it a gentle stir. Let it rest until it looks foamy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work. This step sets the stage for super fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, sift together your red velvet cake mix and flour. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and use your stand mixer (fitted with a dough hook, if you have one) to blend everything thoroughly. The dough will be slightly sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for pillowy results.
Step 3: Knead and Let It Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured countertop and knead it with your hands for about 5 minutes, adding sprinkles of flour as needed. Shape it into a ball, pop it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour—expect it to double in size, filling your kitchen with anticipation!
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead just a few more times. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Meanwhile, whip together your softened butter, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s smooth and spreadable, then slather this cinnamon-brown sugar filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
With the filling in place, gently roll up the dough along the long side for that classic swirl. Once you have a tidy log, cut it into 1-inch slices using a sharp knife. Each spiraled slice promises to bake up into a perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll!
Step 6: Pan, Rise, and Bake
Arrange your cut rolls in a well-greased 9-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed, set, and the kitchen smells sweet and spicy beyond belief.
Step 7: Make and Pour the White Chocolate Glaze
Combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap for about 90 seconds, then stir until the glaze is silky smooth. Pour this luscious glaze while the rolls are still warm so it sinks into all those beautiful nooks and crannies—this is what really sets Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls over the top!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Take your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from wonderful to absolutely show-stopping by sprinkling them with a handful of extra white chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few fresh berries. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can create a lovely crunch too.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich rolls with a bright fruit salad for freshness, crisp bacon for a salty counterpoint, or a simple vanilla yogurt parfait. They also go beautifully with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or chai latte to round out your brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls on a tiered stand with strawberries and mint leaves, or serve individual rolls in cupcake liners for a fun, bakery-inspired look. For indulgence, drizzle each with extra white chocolate just before serving and add a little whipped cream on the side—it’s pure decadence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature if you’ll enjoy them within a day or two. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days; just note the glaze will thicken as it chills, which honestly isn’t a bad thing.
Freezing
If you want to save some Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for future cravings, allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and pop into a zip-top bag. They’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
For that just-baked coziness, reheat rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes. A quick touch of heat plumps up the dough and revives that dreamy glaze—so good!
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as usual for hassle-free brunch magic.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries—you can absolutely mix and knead Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls by hand. It’ll just require a bit more elbow grease, but the dough is very forgiving and fun to work with.
Can I substitute cream cheese for the white chocolate glaze?
Definitely! Whip up a classic cream cheese frosting if that’s your favorite. Either glaze is delicious, so go with what you’re craving most.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The tops will look set and lightly golden, and the centers should spring back when gently pressed. If unsure, a toothpick in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Is there a way to make the rolls even more “red velvet”?
If you want a little more color (or extra decadence), add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and an extra drop or two of red food coloring to the dough. This amps up the classic red velvet flavor and look!
Final Thoughts
Nothing makes a morning more special than a batch of homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable spin on a bakery classic, and watch every face light up with that first colorful, gooey bite. You deserve a little breakfast magic—so give these a try and let the baking bliss begin!
Print
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of red velvet and cinnamon with these decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Perfect for a special breakfast treat or a delightful dessert!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 box of Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 2 and ½ cups of Flour
- 2 cups of Warm Water
- 1 packet of Active Dry Yeast
- Extra Flour for kneading
- Cooking Spray for bowl
Filling:
- 1 stick of Softened Butter
- ½ cup of Brown Sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
Topping:
- 1 cup of White Chocolate Chips
- ¼ a cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Start by sifting together your flour and cake mix.
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm water, let it foam.
- Mix Dough: Combine yeast mixture with flour mix, knead well.
- Rise: Let dough rise for an hour in a warm place.
- Prepare Filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll dough flat, spread filling, roll up, and slice.
- Bake: Place rolls in a pan, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Make Topping: Melt chocolate chips with cream, pour over baked rolls.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls!
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a gooier texture, add more brown sugar to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Red Velvet, Cinnamon Rolls, Breakfast, Dessert, Sweet Treat
