Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Turn red velvet cake into gooey cinnamon rolls! These pillowy soft red velvet cinnamon rolls are bakery-perfect and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Made without cake mix, this cinnamon roll recipe features a chocolate red velvet dough made completely from scratch with a delicious cinnamon filling for the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: Experience the classic taste of red velvet in a new form that will impress your guests.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch, these rolls are healthier and tastier than store-bought options.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or just a special treat at home.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy with cream cheese frosting or explore other icing options to suit your taste.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to create these delightful rolls.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula
• Pizza cutter
• Baking pan (9×13)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easy and ensures a smooth dough.
• Pizza cutter: Perfect for slicing even strips of dough without tearing.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps achieve even baking results.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes for measuring below)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Tangzhong from the recipe above
• 1/2–1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is a paste-like slurry. Scrape it into a bowl and set it aside.

Step 2: Combine Milk Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the milk, cream, and vinegar. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Mix the bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, yeast, and salt in a stand mixing bowl until combined.

Step 4: Create Dough Base

Add the milk/cream mixture, egg, vanilla, tangzhong, and red food coloring to the bowl. Knead on low speed with the dough hook for 2 minutes until it forms a shaggy dough ball.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter

Mix in the softened butter ½ tablespoon at a time, letting it fully incorporate into the dough before adding more.

Step 6: Knead Dough Further

Continue kneading for another 8–10 minutes or until the dough looks smooth and elastic.

Step 7: Let Dough Rest

Remove the dough from the bowl and pull the sides into the bottom center to create a smooth round ball. Place it back into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside for 30 minutes to rest.

Step 8: Prepare Filling Mixture

For the filling, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth. You can do this by hand or with a mixer!

Step 9: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Pan

Line a metal 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F / 162°C.

Step 10: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Dollop the filling mixture across the surface and spread it to the edges with an offset spatula.

Step 11: Cut Rolls

Use a pizza cutter to cut twelve 1¾-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you carefully transferring them to the baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1–2 hours.

Step 12: Bake Rolls

Bake for 28–35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 175°F–180°F in center rolls.

Step 13: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While baking, prepare frosting by combining cream cheese and butter in a stand mixing bowl until well mixed. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating on low speed until light and fluffy. Then mix in vanilla bean paste and heavy cream.

Step 14: Cool & Frost

Let cool on wire rack for about 15 minutes before spreading cream cheese frosting on top. Allow frosting to seep into rolls for another 15 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying them as a dessert, these rolls are sure to impress.

Classic with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each roll for that classic flavor combination.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair your rolls with fresh strawberries or raspberries that add a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the decadence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

Served Warm

• Enjoy these rolls straight out of the oven while they’re still warm and gooey for the best experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance your breakfast or snack time.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

To ensure your red velvet cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter should be at room temperature for better mixing and dough rise.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is key for fluffy cinnamon rolls. Don’t rush this step!
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dense rolls.
• Allow Proper Rising Time: Make sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving pillowy soft rolls.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated to avoid undercooking or overcooking your cinnamon rolls.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

These red velvet cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that balances out the sweetness.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add a savory note, making it a hearty breakfast option.
4. Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet cinnamon rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns offer a crispy texture that pairs well with soft cinnamon rolls.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes for a nutritious yet delicious accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Tangzhong: Not preparing the tangzhong can lead to dry rolls. Ensure you cook the flour and water mixture to create a moist dough.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can hinder yeast activation. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Not Kneading Enough: Insufficient kneading results in tough rolls. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Overfilling Your Rolls: Adding too much filling can make rolling difficult and messy. Use just enough to cover the dough without overflowing.
• Ignoring Rise Times: Rushing the rising process can lead to dense rolls. Allow sufficient time for the dough to double in size for optimal fluffiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Keep your red velvet cinnamon rolls covered in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

• item Freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise for best results.
• item Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on medium power for 30-45 seconds.
• item Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat, warming them gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch.

What makes red velvet cinnamon rolls different?

Red velvet cinnamon rolls are unique due to their vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor, giving them a distinctive taste compared to regular cinnamon rolls.

How do I achieve that perfect cream cheese frosting?

For creamy frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Beat them well before adding powdered sugar, which helps achieve a light texture.

Can I customize my red velvet cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling or experiment with different frostings like vanilla or caramel for a unique twist.

How long do red velvet cinnamon rolls last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days or up to 2 months if frozen.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet cinnamon rolls from scratch are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Their soft texture combined with rich cream cheese frosting makes them perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day! Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your tastes. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by how delightful homemade treats can be!