Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, Bakery-Style Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the decadent charm of classic red velvet cake with the comforting warmth of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Picture yourself waking up to the heavenly aroma of these ruby-red swirls baking in your oven, their tender layers promising that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.

Whether you’re planning a special holiday morning or simply want to elevate your weekend brunch game, this red velvet cinnamon rolls recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen.

The secret to achieving those impossibly soft red velvet cinnamon rolls lies in understanding the delicate balance between ingredients and technique. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these beauties incorporate the distinctive cocoa notes and vibrant color that make red velvet desserts so irresistible, while maintaining that pillowy-soft texture that makes homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls superior to any store-bought version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last Christmas morning, I watched my family’s faces light up as they bit into these swirled cinnamon roll recipe creations – the surprise of that gorgeous red interior paired with the familiar comfort of cinnamon and sugar was pure magic. These easy holiday cinnamon rolls have since become our go-to for special occasions, but honestly, any morning feels special when you’re serving something this spectacular.

What sets these apart from ordinary cinnamon rolls is how the red velvet cake mix creates an incredibly tender crumb while adding that subtle chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon. The cinnamon roll baking tips I’m sharing will ensure your rolls turn out perfectly soft and fluffy every single time, with those gorgeous swirls intact. Explore more comforting dinner recipes here to complete your special meal planning.

Ingredients List

For the Dough	Amount
Red velvet cake mix (regular size)	1 package
All-purpose flour	2-1/2 to 3 cups
Active dry yeast	1 package (1/4 ounce)
Warm water (110° to 115°)	1-1/4 cups

For the Filling	Amount
Packed brown sugar	1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Butter, melted	1/4 cup

For the Icing	Amount
Confectioners’ sugar	2 cups
Butter, softened	2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
2% milk	3 to 5 tablespoons

Find more delicious lunch ideas here to pair with your freshly baked treats for the perfect midday indulgence.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. 
   

   Prepare the yeast mixture: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly, which confirms your yeast is active.

   
   
2. 
   

   Create the dough base: Add the red velvet cake mix to the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add 2-1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add additional flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.

   
   
3. 
   

   Knead for perfection: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.

   
   
4. 
   

   First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

   
   
5. 
   

   Roll and fill: Punch down the dough and roll into a 15×10-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

   
   
6. 
   

   Form the rolls: Starting from the long side, roll up tightly and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

   
   
7. 
   

   Second rise: Place the cut rolls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

   
   
8. 
   

   Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

   
   
9. 
   

   Make the icing: While rolls are baking, beat together confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.

   
   
10. 
    

    Finish and serve: Drizzle the warm Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with icing and serve immediately for the ultimate indulgence.

    
    

Exact Timing to make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Prep time: 30 minutes (including yeast activation and dough preparation)
• First rise: 1 hour
• Assembly time: 15 minutes (rolling, filling, and cutting)
• Second rise: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 20-25 minutes
• Icing preparation: 5 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 3 hours

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Roll (1 of 12)	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	6g	9%
Saturated Fat	3.5g	18%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	320mg	14%
Total Carbohydrates	56g	20%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	28g	–
Added Sugars	24g	48%
Protein	5g	10%
Vitamin A	2% DV	–
Vitamin C	0% DV	–
Calcium	8% DV	–
Iron	12% DV	–

Nutritional data based on standard ingredient analysis. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods used.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefits
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat pastry flour (substitute 1/2 the amount)	Increases fiber content and adds nutrients
Regular cake mix	Sugar-free or reduced-sugar cake mix	Reduces overall sugar content by 30-40%
Brown sugar filling	Coconut sugar + stevia blend	Lower glycemic index, natural sweeteners
Butter in icing	Greek yogurt cream cheese	Adds protein, reduces saturated fat
Whole milk	Unsweetened almond milk	Reduces calories and accommodates dairy-free diets
Traditional icing	Maple syrup drizzle	Natural sweetener with antioxidants

These modifications allow you to enjoy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls while accommodating various dietary preferences including gluten-sensitive, diabetic-friendly, and dairy-free options. For those following keto diets, consider using almond flour and sugar substitutes, though the texture will differ from traditional rolls.

Explore more delicious desserts here to discover additional healthier baking alternatives and creative recipe modifications.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect pairings for special occasions: Serve your warm Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience. For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Elevate with complementary flavors: Create a dessert board featuring your cinnamon rolls with cream cheese spreads, fresh strawberries, and chopped pecans. The tangy cream cheese beautifully balances the sweet red velvet flavors, while the nuts add delightful texture contrast.

Temperature and timing matters: These rolls taste absolutely divine when served warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven. The icing should be applied while the rolls are still slightly warm so it melts slightly into the swirls, creating that perfect bakery-style finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overproofing the dough: Many home bakers let their Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls rise too long, resulting in collapsed or overly airy texture. Watch for the dough to double in size during the first rise, then stop – overproofed dough will produce dense, heavy rolls that lack that signature soft texture.

Using water that’s too hot: Yeast is sensitive to temperature, and water above 115°F will kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising properly. Always test the water temperature with a thermometer or your wrist – it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.

Cutting rolls with a dull knife: This common mistake can squash your beautiful swirls and create uneven shapes. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice through the dough cleanly, maintaining those perfect spiral patterns that make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls so visually appealing.

Storing Tips

Proper storage for maximum freshness: Store your cooled Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months – they’ll maintain their soft texture beautifully when properly wrapped.

Reheating for that fresh-baked taste: To restore that just-baked warmth and softness, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire batch in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the tops from over-browning during reheating.

Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these rolls through step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking – perfect for stress-free holiday mornings when you want fresh Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls without the early morning prep work.

FAQs

Print