Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Easy & Irresistible

There are few things as comforting and indulgent as freshly baked cinnamon rolls. But when you add a twist of vibrant red velvet and the creamy decadence of cream cheese frosting, you get something truly heavenly. Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not your average cinnamon rolls; they are a rich, flavorful treat that combines the light, fluffy texture of traditional rolls with the bold, luxurious flavor of red velvet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, from preparing the dough to slathering on the rich cream cheese frosting. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something special about the combination of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting that everyone loves. Add to that the deep, red color of the red velvet dough, and you have a treat that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. These rolls are perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch gatherings: Serve them fresh out of the oven for an unforgettable morning treat.

• Holiday celebrations: Their vibrant red color makes them perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and even New Year’s celebrations.

• Gifts: Wrap up a batch of these rolls and share them with friends and family for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp red food coloring

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2-4 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

Tips for Substitutions:

• If you want to make these Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.

• For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking yeast dough.

How to Make Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients until they are well mixed.

Next, add in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your surface as you knead.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. This is the perfect time to get your filling and frosting ingredients ready!

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or whisk to blend these ingredients into a smooth, spreadable mixture. If you’re adding mini chocolate chips to your cinnamon rolls (which we highly recommend for an extra layer of flavor), fold them into the filling mixture now. Set the filling aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the filling—it’s what gives these rolls their irresistible flavor! If you’re using chocolate chips, make sure they are evenly distributed for pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough

Now, it’s time to roll up the dough. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them so they are just touching each other. This will help them bake into soft, fluffy rolls.

Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, it’s time to bake them! Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The scent of cinnamon and sugar will begin to fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite.

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, it’s time to make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, and continue to beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once your Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls have cooled slightly (but are still warm), generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. The warmth of the rolls will cause the frosting to melt slightly, creating a rich, gooey layer of frosting that adds an extra level of decadence.

Serve the rolls while they’re still warm, and watch as everyone devours them in seconds. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. You can even freeze them for later enjoyment!

Tips for Perfect Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t rush the dough rising: Give the dough time to rise properly. This ensures that your rolls will be soft and fluffy, with that perfect light texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before using them in the dough or frosting. This helps everything blend together smoothly.

• Try adding a dash of vanilla to the filling: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar filling.

• Check your oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. They should be golden brown on top but still soft in the center.

• Make them ahead: If you’re preparing for a special occasion, you can make the dough ahead of time. After rolling it up and slicing the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just let them rise and bake them fresh.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, here are some other delicious treats you might want to try:

• Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

• Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

FAQs About Cinnamon Rolls

1. Why put heavy cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?

Adding heavy cream to cinnamon rolls before baking helps to create a rich, gooey texture. It adds moisture and gives the rolls a soft, tender crumb. The cream also enhances the flavor, making them extra indulgent.

2. Should you refrigerate Costco cinnamon rolls?

Yes, it’s recommended to refrigerate Costco cinnamon rolls if you’re not planning to bake them immediately. This will keep them fresh and allow you to bake them at a later time. Once baked, they should be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

3. What is the white stuff on cinnamon rolls called?

The white topping on cinnamon rolls is typically cream cheese frosting or glaze. Cream cheese frosting is rich and tangy, while a glaze is sweeter and thinner, providing a shiny finish to the rolls.

4. What is the famous brand of cinnamon rolls?

One of the most famous cinnamon roll brands is Cinnabon. Known for its soft, sticky rolls and signature cream cheese frosting, Cinnabon has become a beloved brand around the world, especially in malls and airports.

Conclusion

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The soft, pillowy dough, the cinnamon filling, and the rich cream cheese frosting come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Follow this recipe step by step for flawless results, and enjoy a decadent dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!