Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Discover the ultimate sweet treat with these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. Soft, fluffy, and infused with that rich red velvet flavor, combined beautifully with the warm, cozy hint of cinnamon, these rolls are then topped with a luscious, smooth cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert craving, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with the distinct richness of red velvet for a one-of-a-kind taste.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is incredibly tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling and icing.
• Rich Cream Cheese Icing: A perfectly balanced, creamy topping that complements the sweetness and adds a tangy contrast.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite looking gourmet, this recipe is straightforward enough for any home baker to try.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, special breakfasts, or anytime you want to treat yourself and loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple, readily available ingredients come together to create such a spectacular treat. Each plays a vital role — from the vibrant cocoa powder that gives red velvet its signature hue to the cinnamon adding warmth and depth.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the right balance of structure and softness.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the rolls their classic red velvet flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for that velvety, tangy icing that tops each roll.
• Butter: Adds richness to both dough and filling, ensuring tender rolls.
• Milk: Milk creates moisture and helps develop a fluffy dough.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast makes the dough rise beautifully, creating soft rolls.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling perfectly without overpowering.
• Eggs: Eggs add moisture and stability to the dough.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives that warm, inviting spice to the filling.
• White Vinegar & Red Food Coloring: White vinegar reacts with baking soda to help achieve the tender crumb and enhances the red color combined with food coloring.
• Baking Soda: Provides lift and subtle texture improvements alongside the yeast.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for the creamy icing’s sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings depth and rounds out the sweet flavors.

Variations for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Feel free to tailor your rolls to suit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable while maintaining its delicious personality.

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the rolled dough before baking.
• Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce sugar by a third to make it lighter on sweetness without losing richness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon blend for a deeper, spiced aroma.
• Gluten-Free: Try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for texture.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk until it’s slightly warm to the touch, then combine with yeast and a pinch of sugar to activate it. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, white vinegar, red food coloring, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it forms a soft, elastic texture. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with cinnamon and brown sugar until combined into a spreadable paste. This layer is where the classic cinnamon roll aroma and sweetness come alive, so don’t skimp on the cinnamon!

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, gently roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log.

Step 4: Slice and Arrange

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the individual rolls cut side up in a greased baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 45 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are puffed, golden, and cooked through. Baking time can vary, so keep an eye on the edges for a perfect finish.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you reach a luscious spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Ice and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top so it melts into every nook and cranny of those irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

• Activate Your Yeast Properly: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It enhances the tender crumb and helps set the red velvet color.
• Knead Just Enough: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls, so knead until elastic but soft.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
• Cover While Rising: Keep dough covered with a clean towel or plastic wrap to retain moisture.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Garnishes

Dust with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for added aroma and visual appeal. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle toasted nuts or a few fresh berries on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a classic latte, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also elevates this treat for dessert occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls on a tiered dessert tray for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Serve warm from the oven with a side of extra cream cheese icing for guests to add as they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place the leftover rolls in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.

Freezing

You can freeze baked rolls or raw dough. Wrap rolls individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. For raw dough, shape and cut rolls, then freeze before the second rise; thaw and rise before baking.

Reheating

Warm rolls gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes covered with foil. Add fresh cream cheese icing after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the day before, let them rise and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next morning for the best flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

For authentic color, red food coloring is recommended. You can try beet juice powder as a natural alternative, but it may slightly alter the taste and intensity of the color.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just reduce the proofing time since instant yeast acts faster, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden on top and spring back to the touch slightly. An internal temperature of about 190°F indicates they are cooked through.

Is the cream cheese icing necessary?

While you can serve these rolls plain, the cream cheese icing is a hallmark component that adds rich tanginess and moisture, making it truly irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to indulge your sweet tooth, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing will become an instant favorite. Soft, rich, and bursting with flavor, each bite is a warm hug from your oven to your heart. Give this recipe a try soon — you won’t regret the delicious memories you create with every roll.

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