Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Picture this: warm, tender spirals of red velvet dough swirled generously with cinnamon sugar, baking gently in your oven as the intoxicating aroma fills your kitchen. The moment you pull these gorgeous rolls from the oven, their bright red hue beckons you closer, while the sweet cinnamon scent promises pure comfort with every bite. This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes—a show-stopping delight that’s perfect for sharing at brunch, celebrations, or any time you need a little magic in your day.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Unique and Vibrant: The rich red velvet flavor combined with warm cinnamon offers a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
• Flavorful and Moist: Thanks to the red velvet cake mix, these rolls are effortlessly soft and perfectly tender every time.
• Impressive Yet Achievable: These rolls look bakery-worthy but can be made in your own kitchen without fuss.
• Made From Simple Ingredients: Combine a cake mix with common baking staples and a few pantry essentials for magic.
• Perfect for Gifting or Special Occasions: Whether breakfast in bed or a holiday morning, these rolls impress with their color and flavor.

Why This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Works

What makes this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stand out is its brilliant use of the red velvet cake mix as the dough base, infusing the rolls with incredible moisture, flavor, and that characteristic deep red hue. The dough is intentionally a little sticky, which might feel unusual compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, but it guarantees a soft, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Another secret is allowing the dough two rises—this ensures each roll puffs up beautifully while maintaining a delicate texture. Lastly, the cinnamon-brown sugar filling balances the rich velvet flavor with just the right touch of warm spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a vital role in pulling this recipe together effortlessly, turning everyday pantry items into a show-stopping sweet treat.

• Red velvet cake mix: Provides the signature color, flavor, and tenderness of the rolls.
• All-purpose flour: Used to form the dough and achieve the perfect texture.
• Active dry yeast: Ensures the rolls rise light and fluffy.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Packs the rolls with comforting spice.
• Butter (melted): Keeps the dough tender and rich while coating the filling for gooey swirls.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Forms the base of the creamy, luscious icing.
• Butter (softened, for icing): Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with fragrant warmth.
• 2% milk: Adjusts icing consistency for perfect drizzling.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Red velvet cake mix: You can substitute with a traditional chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a different twist, but the signature red color will be lost.
• Active dry yeast: Instant yeast may be used instead, reducing rise times slightly.
• Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well; dark brown sugar offers a richer molasses flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels, but salted butter works if you adjust flavors accordingly.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the red velvet cake mix, one cup of all-purpose flour, and the active dry yeast. Slowly add warm water while mixing at medium speed, letting everything blend for about two minutes. Gradually add more flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

💡 Pro Tip: Aim for a dough that just starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl—it will be stickier than typical cinnamon roll dough but that’s perfect for softness.

Step 2: Knead and Let Rise

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead six to eight times. Place it into a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about two hours.

💡 Pro Tip: Find a cozy warm corner in your kitchen or preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes and then turn it off to help your dough rise evenly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant filling will soon be spread over your dough, giving the rolls their signature cinnamon sweetness.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface again. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 18 by 10 inches. Brush the entire surface (leaving a 1/4 inch border) with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.

💡 Pro Tip: Leave that small border free of filling to help seal the roll tightly when you roll it up.

Step 5: Roll Up, Slice, and Let Rise Again

Starting with a long side, carefully roll the dough jelly-roll style, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the roll into twelve even pieces with unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to keep layers defined. Arrange them cut-side up in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about one hour.

💡 Pro Tip: Dental floss slicing is a game changer—it prevents crushing the soft, fluffy rolls and keeps the filling spirals neat.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed and lightly golden brown on top. Let them cool just slightly before icing.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your rolls during the last few minutes of baking for that perfect golden edge without over-browning.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Icing

Beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and enough 2% milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Spoon the glaze generously over the warm rolls, letting it cascade down their swirls for that irresistible finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to ice right from the oven—wait a few minutes so the icing clings perfectly instead of melting away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Using water too hot: It can kill your yeast, preventing proper rise.
• Adding too much flour: Over-floured dough yields dense, tough rolls.
• Skipping the second rise: Skipping this step leads to tight, less fluffy rolls.
• Cutting rolls with a dull knife: Using a knife squashes the dough, ruining the spiral effect.
• Icing while the rolls are piping hot: Results in thin, runny glaze that disappears.
• Not preheating the oven: Can cause uneven baking and disappointing texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, feel free to explore some delightful twists to make the recipe your own:

Cream Cheese Swirl

Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the dough and cinnamon sugar for extra richness and tang.

Nutty Delight

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling to add a satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Lover’s Roll

Mix mini halal chocolate chips into the filling for sweet bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Orange Zest Infusion

Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the icing for bright citrus notes that perfectly complement the red velvet flavor.

Maple Drizzle

Swap vanilla in the icing with pure maple extract or add a drizzle of maple syrup for cozy sweetness.

Berry Surprise

Incorporate a few tablespoons of fresh or frozen halal raspberries in the filling for a fruity pop to balance the cinnamon.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Top your rolls with extra cinnamon dusting, edible red velvet crumbs, or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for color and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with a steaming cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk to round out the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a beautiful circular or spiral pattern on a serving plate, or place them in festive cupcake liners for individual servings perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, place leftover rolls in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a resealable bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm rolls gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix instead of red velvet?

Yes! Chocolate or vanilla cake mixes work well but will change the color and flavor profile from the signature red velvet.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough requires about two hours for the first rise until doubled and around one hour for the second rise after rolling and slicing.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Though it requires rising time, the steps are straightforward, and the dough is forgiving thanks to the cake mix base.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge, then roll, fill, and bake the next day.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls?

Unflavored dental floss works brilliantly for clean slices without squashing the dough.

Can I make the icing dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

Are these rolls halal?

Yes, all ingredients used are halal, making this recipe suitable for halal diets.

How should I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary—a perfect blend of fluffy, sweet, and warmly spiced with a pop of festive color. Whether you’re making them to treat your family or to impress guests, this recipe delivers joy with every bite. The slow rise, the tender dough, and that melt-in-your-mouth icing all come together to create a memorable experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Have you tried this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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