The Best Homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for the ultimate Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, these soft, fluffy rolls are guaranteed to impress. Made with rich cocoa, vibrant red velvet dough, a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with silky cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect breakfast, brunch, or holiday dessert.
These homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with warm cinnamon swirls for a bakery-style treat that’s irresistibly soft, buttery, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas morning, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or a cozy weekend brunch, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These soft cinnamon rolls are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls with a delicious red velvet twist.
Why this recipe is a favorite:
- Soft, fluffy homemade dough
- Rich red velvet flavor
- Sweet cinnamon sugar filling
- Creamy homemade cream cheese frosting
- Perfect for holidays and special occasions
- Easy recipe for beginner bakers
- Bakery-style results at home
- Great for make-ahead breakfasts
Every bite is rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced between chocolate, cinnamon, and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Red Velvet Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl.
Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Sugar
- Egg
- Cocoa powder
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
Add the activated yeast mixture.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
Add the melted butter and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Mix together:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
This creates the rich cinnamon swirl filling.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Punch down the risen dough.
Roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
Roll tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 equal rolls.
Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden and fully cooked.
Allow them to cool for about 20 minutes before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Soft Cinnamon Rolls
- Use warm milk, not hot milk, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough until soft and elastic.
- Don’t skip either rise for fluffy rolls.
- Roll the dough tightly to create beautiful cinnamon swirls.
- Frost while slightly warm so the icing melts into every layer.
- Measure flour accurately to avoid dry dough.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Lovers
Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.
White Chocolate Version
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cream cheese frosting.
Holiday Red Velvet Rolls
Top with festive sprinkles for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Storage & Freezing
These homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls store beautifully.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked or unbaked cinnamon rolls for up to 3 months.
Reheat before serving for fresh bakery-style flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes. Prepare and shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then allow them to rise before baking.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for easy make-ahead breakfasts.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk was warm (around 110°F) rather than too hot or too cold.
Can I make them without food coloring?
Yes. They’ll taste the same but won’t have the signature red velvet color.
Can I use another frosting?
Certainly. Vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or a simple powdered sugar glaze are delicious alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect served with:
- Fresh strawberries
- Mixed berries
- Hot coffee
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Hot chocolate
- Cold milk
- Fresh fruit salad
They also make an excellent centerpiece for holiday brunches, Christmas breakfast, Valentine’s Day breakfast, Mother’s Day brunch, or weekend family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the perfect combination of classic cinnamon rolls and rich red velvet cake. Soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a sweet cinnamon filling and finished with luscious cream cheese frosting creates an unforgettable homemade treat.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, brunch, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress. Easy to prepare, incredibly soft, and bursting with flavor, they’re a bakery-quality recipe you’ll want to make again and again.