Imagine the bold color and mild cocoa flavor of red velvet cake swirled into soft, buttery cinnamon rolls. These red velvet cinnamon rolls are rich, gooey, and satisfy every craving in one bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for something fun and different, this guide gives you everything you need.
You’ll get a tried-and-true recipe made from scratch, plus a shortcut using boxed cake mix for busy days. Want to know how to make them ultra-gooey? I’ve included the secret technique that transforms every roll into pure indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Unbeatably Soft and Fluffy Texture
This recipe creates a soft dough that rises beautifully. The balance of sour cream and whole milk gives these red velvet cinnamon rolls a tender, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Rich, Authentic Red Velvet Flavor
With just the right amount of cocoa powder and vibrant red coloring, every bite delivers the classic red velvet flavor. You’ll taste the mild chocolate notes without it being too sweet.
The Secret to Ultra-Gooey Rolls
There’s a clever trick included later that turns these rolls into gooey perfection. It’s simple and makes a huge difference in both taste and texture.
Made for Every Baker
Whether you love baking from scratch or need something fast, this recipe fits both. You’ll get a complete step-by-step guide and an easy shortcut using boxed cake mix.
Perfect for Making Ahead
Need these for a holiday breakfast or special event? You can prep them the night before or freeze a batch. These red velvet cinnamon rolls are as flexible as they are delicious.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
« Cinnamon rolls are one of the most widely consumed breakfast pastries… but if you’re a wellness enthusiast, you may be wondering how you can enjoy cinnamon rolls without compromising your health goals » Gaby Vaca‑Flores, RDN, CLE
You’ll Also Love
➤ Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make soft and gooey red velvet cinnamon rolls, organized for easy prep.
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm whole milk or 2 percent milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (equals 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2 percent)
These ingredients work together to give your red velvet cinnamon rolls a soft crumb, a gooey center, and a smooth, sweet finish.
How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these steps to make perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls at home. This method is simple to follow and gives you bakery-style results every time.
1. Mix the wet ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, pour in the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, instant yeast, and red food coloring. Mix just until combined.
2. Add the eggs and sour cream
Crack in the eggs and spoon in the sour cream. Mix again until smooth and everything looks fully incorporated.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Turn the mixer to medium speed and knead for about five minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Let the dough rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a cool and draft-free area. Let the dough rise for one and a half to two hours until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare your work surface
Dust your counter with flour and turn out the dough. Use a rolling pin to shape it into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle.
6. Make the filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
7. Roll and slice the dough
Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with butter. Starting from the long side closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in the pan.
8. Let them rest
If baking right away, let the rolls sit at room temperature for one hour. For overnight rolls, cover the pan and refrigerate. The next morning, bring them to room temperature before baking.
9. Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the red velvet cinnamon rolls for 35 to 40 minutes until they are puffed and golden on top. Let them cool slightly before icing.
10. Make the cream cheese icing
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar as needed.
11. Ice the rolls while warm
Spread the icing over the rolls while they are still warm. The heat helps the icing melt slightly into the swirls for that gooey finish.
Your homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls are ready to enjoy fresh, warm, and packed with flavor.;
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, yeast, and red food coloring. Mix until just combined.
- Add the eggs and sour cream. Mix again until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1.5 to 2 hours in a draft-free place until doubled in size.
- Lightly flour your counter. Roll out the dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Let rise again at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking if chilled.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35–40 minutes until golden and puffy. Let cool slightly.
- For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until creamy.
- Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 410 | Total Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 310mg | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 26g | Protein: 6g | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.3mg Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the products and brands you use. Calculate the actual nutrition values using your preferred nutrition calculator and the exact ingredients you choose.What You’ll Need
★ Stand Mixer
★ Measuring Cups
★ Measuring Spoons
★ Mixing Bowls
★ Baking Dish
The Best Cream Cheese Icing (Plus Variations)
A great icing brings everything together. These red velvet cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a classic cream cheese topping, but there are also fun twists you can try.
Our Go-To Cream Cheese Icing
This is the classic version that gives the rolls a creamy, sweet finish with just the right tang. Use it while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly into the swirls.
- ¼ cup butter, room temperature
- ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Beat everything together until smooth and spreadable.
Variation 1: Rich White Chocolate Glaze
If you’re looking for something sweeter and more dessert-like, melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Drizzle it over the warm red velvet cinnamon rolls for a rich, glossy finish.
Variation 2: Quick Caramel Drizzle
In a pinch for something different? Warm up ¼ cup of store-bought caramel sauce and drizzle it over the rolls just before serving. It adds a deep buttery note and pairs well with the cocoa flavor of the red velvet base.
Each topping adds a unique layer of flavor, so feel free to switch it up depending on your mood or the occasion.
Troubleshooting
Even experienced bakers run into issues. If your red velvet cinnamon rolls didn’t turn out as expected, these common problems and fixes can help.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check if your yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast won’t rise properly. Also, make sure the milk wasn’t too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Aim for milk that’s warm to the touch, not hot.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dry or hard?
Too much flour is often the cause. If the dough feels stiff or crumbly, it needs more moisture. Always measure flour using the spoon-and-level method. Also, overbaking can dry them out. Remove them from the oven once they look puffy and lightly golden.
What does red velvet actually taste like?
Red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor with a subtle tang, thanks to ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream. It’s not as rich as chocolate cake but still has depth.
What is the origin of red velvet cake?
Red velvet cake traces back to the early 1900s in the Southern United States. It gained popularity during the Great Depression and became especially symbolic during Juneteenth celebrations as a nod to heritage and resilience.
These tips can make a big difference in the outcome of your red velvet cinnamon rolls and help you bake with more confidence.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Planning ahead or saving leftovers? These tips help you enjoy red velvet cinnamon rolls at their best any time.
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before baking. This method is perfect for holidays or early brunches.
How to Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
To freeze before baking, complete the recipe up to the slicing step. Place the unbaked rolls on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise completely before placing them in the oven.
To freeze after baking, let the rolls cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them soft and prevents freezer burn.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftovers
Microwave one roll for 20 to 30 seconds for a quick warm-up. For better texture, cover the rolls with foil and heat in a 325°F oven for ten to fifteen minutes. Reheat with a spoonful of cream or milk on top if you want to revive that gooey texture.
No matter how you prepare them, red velvet cinnamon rolls stay delicious and satisfying with these simple storage tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about red velvet cinnamon rolls to help you get perfect results every time.
Can I add cinnamon to red velvet cake?
Yes, a small amount of cinnamon can complement the cocoa flavor in red velvet. While not traditional, it adds warmth and depth that some bakers enjoy.
Why do you pour heavy cream over cinnamon rolls?
Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking creates extra moisture and helps make the rolls incredibly gooey. The cream seeps into the dough as it bakes, giving each bite a rich and soft texture.
What makes red velvet different from regular cake?
Red velvet is not just chocolate cake with red food coloring. It contains cocoa powder, buttermilk or sour cream, and vinegar, which give it a tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor. The unique color and subtle chocolate taste make it stand out.
How to dress up canned cinnamon rolls?
To give canned cinnamon rolls a red velvet twist, unroll each piece, sprinkle in cocoa powder and red food coloring, then roll them back up. Bake as directed and top with homemade cream cheese icing for a better texture and flavor.
These tips bring out the best in your red velvet cinnamon rolls, whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading a shortcut.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Enjoy your red velvet cinnamon rolls responsibly and according to your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
These red velvet cinnamon rolls bring together everything you love in one unforgettable recipe. They’re soft, rich, gooey, and full of bold flavor. Whether you choose the full homemade version or go with the boxed cake mix shortcut, the results are always impressive.
With tips for making ahead, freezing, and reheating, you can enjoy these rolls fresh any time. The cream cheese icing and optional toppings give you room to make them your own.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback helps others and keeps the recipe growing.
Share your creations on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can enjoy them too. What twist did you try on your red velvet cinnamon rolls? Let us know in the comments.
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgenthttps://www.goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://www.goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://www.goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://www.goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
