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Soft Red Velvet Rolls

Featured in Desserts That Transform Moments.

Mix red dough, add cinnamon filling, roll, bake, and spread cream cheese frosting on top. A sweet spin on the classic treat!
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Sarah
Updated on Sun, 06 Apr 2025 01:41:28 GMT
Soft Red Velvet Rolls Pin it
Soft Red Velvet Rolls | chefmiarecipes.com

Deep ruby dough twists with sweet cinnamon-sugar mix, blending the magic of traditional cinnamon buns and classic red velvet cake into one eye-catching morning delight. Every fluffy coil offers just the right mix of gentle cocoa, toasty spice, and smooth texture, all topped with rich cream cheese icing that sinks into all the nooks.

These swirls became our go-to holiday treat after I first made them as a Christmas morning gift. My grandma, who usually stays cool about most things, couldn't help but let out a wow when I pulled the cover off the pan of scarlet spirals at our breakfast gathering.

Key Components

  • Red Food Coloring: Gives that bold color pop that makes folks instantly know what they're looking at
  • Cocoa Powder: Brings those light chocolate hints that real red velvet should always have
  • Cream Cheese: Makes up the foundation of the tangy-sweet topping that's a must for the full red velvet vibe
  • Active Dry Yeast: Gets you those fully risen, cloud-soft buns with just the right feel
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds those cozy, spicy bits that let you know you're eating cinnamon buns

Making Flawless Red Velvet Swirls

Getting The Dough Right:
Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk until it's bubbly and smells good. This first part can't be skipped if you want dough that puffs up nicely for that tender, soft feel.
Adding The Color:
Mix red food coloring right into your wet stuff before putting in the dry mix. This way the color spreads all through the dough without working it too much.
Taking Time To Rise:
Let the dough sit in a warm spot with no air blowing on it until it gets twice as big. This slow first rise builds taste and makes your buns super soft.
Putting In The Filling:
Layer a thick coat of cinnamon-sugar-butter mix evenly on your rolled-out dough, going all the way to the edges except for a tiny strip. Being careful here means every bite will have just enough filling.
Cutting Them Right:
Use plain dental floss or a really sharp bread knife to cut the rolled dough into same-size pieces without squishing the pretty swirl pattern you've made.
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Pin it
Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

I came up with these buns during a holiday baking session when I accidentally knocked over red food coloring into my cinnamon roll dough. Instead of starting fresh, I went with it and threw in some cocoa powder too. Those buns got more praise than any sweet treat I'd ever baked.

Tasty Companions

Enjoy these rich buns with a bold cup of coffee or smooth hot chocolate to cut through their sweetness. For a fancy brunch, add some fresh fruit and a tasty egg dish to get that perfect mix of sweet and savory.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up by tossing tiny chocolate chips into the filling for extra richness. Make a holiday version with crushed candy canes mixed into the frosting. For some crunch, scatter toasted pecans over the filling before you roll it up.

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep fully cooled buns in a sealed container on your counter for up to two days. To keep them longer, put them in the fridge for up to five days, but warm them up before eating. These buns also freeze really well for up to three months.

After countless batches of these stunning buns, I've noticed they bring a party vibe to any table. Their bright color turns just another morning into something worth celebrating, while that familiar cinnamon smell fills the room with coziness and warmth. Whether it's for holidays, birthdays, or just making a weekend breakfast extra nice, these red velvet cinnamon buns create lasting memories every time you bake them.

Easy Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Pin it
Easy Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Totally! Shape and pan them, then refrigerate overnight. Let them rest for 30-45 minutes at room temperature before baking.
→ Why are these called 'red velvet'?
The red coloring and the mix of cocoa hints with vanilla mimic the famous red velvet cake flavors.
→ Are these freezer-friendly?
Yep! Keep the unfrosted rolls in a container in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and heat up before frosting.
→ How do I know if my dough is ready?
It should double in size. Test it by gently poking with your finger—if the dent stays, it’s good to go!
→ What if I don’t have red food dye?
No problem! You can leave it out for a regular version, or use something like beet powder for a softer red color.

Velvet Cream Cheese Rolls

Cocoa-tinted red dough layered with cinnamon-sugar, rolled up, baked, and topped with creamy frosting. It's a centerpiece-worthy morning dish!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Comfort

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ To Make the Dough

01 2 tbsp red food coloring
02 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 1 cup warm whole milk
04 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
05 1/4 cup white sugar
06 1 large egg
07 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 1 tsp baking powder
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 3 1/2 cups plain flour

→ For the Filling

11 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
12 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
13 1/2 cup tiny chocolate chips (optional)
14 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

→ For Creamy Frosting

15 8 oz softened cream cheese
16 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
17 2-4 tbsp milk (to get the right consistency)
18 4 cups powdered sugar
19 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and whisk together sugar, yeast, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix the milk, food coloring, melted butter, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Slowly combine everything together. Stir in the rest of the flour about half a cup at a time until you get a dough that’s soft and just a little sticky.

Step 02

Knead on a floured countertop for 8-10 minutes by hand (or use a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes) until you’ve got a smooth, stretchy dough. Transfer it into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it sit somewhere warm for about an hour or until it doubles its size.

Step 03

While the dough is doing its thing, blend butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they become like a thick paste. Keep chocolate chips aside, ready to be used if you want.

Step 04

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a big rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving just a thin edge untouched. Sprinkle chocolate chips if you’re using them. Roll it tightly from one of the longer edges and seal the ends. Slice it into 12 even pieces.

Step 05

Arrange the pieces in a greased 9×13-inch dish with a bit of space between each roll. Cover and leave them alone for another 30 minutes to puff up again.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Be careful not to keep them in too long.

Step 07

Use a mixer to blend cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust the thickness to your liking by mixing in a little milk at a time.

Step 08

Once the rolls have cooled a little bit, slather the cream cheese frosting on top. Enjoy them warm!

Notes

  1. For a brighter shade of red, gel food coloring works great and keeps the texture nice.
  2. Feel fancy? Add crushed candy canes or some red sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.
  3. These are a hit on Christmas mornings, Valentine's Day, or at brunch get-togethers.

Tools You'll Need

  • Optional: stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Measuring tools like cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk, butter, and cream cheese (dairy)
  • Includes wheat/gluten from the flour
  • Eggs are part of the recipe