Looking for a breakfast treat that feels like dessert? These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls bake soft red velvet dough into classic cinnamon swirls, then finish with thick cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red crumbs. They are an easy showstopper for holidays, brunch, and weekend mornings.
Below you will find the dough ingredients, filling, frosting, step-by-step method, proofing tips, variations, storage advice, and FAQs for reliable Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls every time.
## Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
### Dough
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)
### Cinnamon Filling
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
### Cream Cheese Frosting
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, as needed
– Red velvet crumbs or leftover cake crumbs, optional for topping
## How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
1. In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup of the flour with the sugar, yeast, salt, cocoa powder, and about 1 cup of the red velvet cake mix. Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Add the remaining flour and enough of the remaining cake mix to form a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Roll tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until set and lightly golden on the edges. Cool for 10 minutes.
6. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk for a thick pourable frosting. Spread over warm rolls and finish with red crumbs if using.
## Tips for Soft Red Velvet Rolls
Keep the milk warm, not hot, so the yeast stays active.
If the dough feels sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Soft dough makes softer rolls.
Do not overbake. Pull them when the centers are just set for a tender bite.
Frost while warm so the glaze melts into the swirls.
## Easy Variations
Add white chocolate chips to the filling. Use a maple cream cheese frosting for a brunch twist. Make overnight rolls by refrigerating the cut rolls after shaping, then bring to room temperature and bake in the morning.
## Serving Suggestions
Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or a holiday brunch spread. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, and special weekends.
## Storage
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 1 month; thaw, warm, and frost before serving.
## Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls FAQs
### Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Mix it with the dry ingredients and expect a slightly faster rise.
### Do I need the whole cake mix?
Use enough to flavor and color the dough while keeping it soft and kneadable. You may not need every last bit if the dough becomes dry.
### Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes. Mix with a spoon, then knead by hand until smooth.
### Why are my rolls dense?
The yeast may have been inactive, or the dough did not rise long enough. Make sure the milk is around 110°F and give the dough time to double.
## Conclusion
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine soft cocoa-red dough, cinnamon sugar swirls, and cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style brunch treat. With one rise, a quick bake, and a thick glaze, they deliver classic cinnamon roll comfort with red velvet flair.
