Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Perfect for Valentine’s Day!)

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls | Difficulty: Easy

Picture this: fluffy, pillowy cinnamon rolls with a stunning deep red hue, swirled with brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with clouds of tangy cream cheese frosting. These red velvet cinnamon rolls combine two iconic desserts into one show-stopping breakfast treat that tastes as incredible as it looks. The subtle cocoa flavor from the red velvet dough pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon, while the luxurious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness. Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day brunch, a festive Christmas morning, or simply craving an indulgent weekend breakfast, these rolls deliver pure comfort and joy in every bite. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls are a perfect marriage of flavors with their subtle cocoa notes and warming cinnamon spice. The vibrant red color creates an absolutely stunning presentation that will wow your guests at any gathering. Ready in just over 2 hours including rise time, these rolls work perfectly for special occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthday brunches. Despite their impressive appearance, the recipe is beginner-friendly and completely customizable—add chocolate chips for extra decadence or shape them into hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting that combine the best of two beloved desserts. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any special breakfast.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rising Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or mix by hand)
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Rolling Pin
• Large mixing bowls
• Kitchen towel for rising
• Electric mixer for frosting

Ingredients

  

For the Red Velvet Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour divided – provides structure for soft, fluffy rolls
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps activate yeast
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast one standard packet – check expiration date
• 1 teaspoon baking powder creates extra lift and tender texture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors
• 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F for activating yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg room temperature for better incorporation
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring gel food coloring recommended for vibrant color
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract adds warmth and flavor depth

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature for easy spreading
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar light or dark brown sugar works
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon fresh cinnamon for best flavor
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional but highly recommended

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature – one standard package
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar sifted for lump-free frosting
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract enhances cream cheese flavor
• 2-4 tablespoons whole milk to adjust frosting consistency

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warmed milk (110°F), melted butter, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and egg until fully blended. The mixture will be bright red and smooth.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring with wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook attachment. Gradually add remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until soft dough forms. Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
• Transfer dough to floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using stand mixer, knead on low speed for 6-8 minutes. Properly kneaded dough springs back when pressed gently.
• Place dough in greased bowl, cover with clean kitchen towel, and let rise in warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
• While dough rises, prepare filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in small bowl until thick paste forms. Set aside at room temperature. If using chocolate chips, measure and set aside.
• Once dough has risen, punch down gently and transfer to floured surface. Roll into 16×12 inch rectangle using rolling pin. Use measuring tape for accuracy.
• Spread cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over dough, leaving 1/2 inch border around edges. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly across filling if using.
• Starting from one long side, tightly roll dough into log. Pinch seam to seal. Using dental floss or sharp knife, slice log into 12 equal pieces (about 1 1/3 inches each).
• Arrange rolls in greased 9×13 inch baking dish with small space between each. Cover with towel and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until puffed and edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
• While rolls bake, prepare cream cheese frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Remove rolls from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Spread generous amount of cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

Temperature Tips: Milk should be 110°F (warm to touch but not hot). Too hot kills yeast, too cold won’t activate it.

Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for most vibrant color without adding excess liquid. Liquid works but requires more volume.

Make Ahead: Prepare through step 10, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Cutting Tip: Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing rolls.

Storage: Room temperature in airtight container for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted rolls up to 3 months.

Reheating: Microwave individual rolls 15-20 seconds or warm in 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Keyword Christmas morning rolls, cream cheese frosting, holiday brunch, homemade cinnamon rolls, red velvet breakfast, red velvet cinnamon rolls, Valentine’s Day breakfast

What You Need for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure for soft, fluffy rolls
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps activate yeast
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – makes rolls rise and become fluffy
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – creates extra lift and tender texture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
• 1 cup whole milk – warmed to 110°F for activating yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – melted for rich, tender dough
• 1 large egg – room temperature, adds richness and structure
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring – creates that signature red velvet color (gel food coloring recommended)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – adds warmth and flavor depth

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for easy spreading
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – creates sweet, caramel-like filling
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – provides classic cinnamon roll flavor
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – optional but highly recommended for extra indulgence

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese – softened to room temperature, full-fat works best
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened for smooth, creamy frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar – sifted for lump-free frosting
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances the cream cheese flavor
• 2-4 tablespoons whole milk – to adjust frosting consistency to your preference

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparing Your Red Velvet Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients (3 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Combine wet ingredients (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together warmed milk (110°F), melted butter, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and egg until fully blended. (The mixture will be bright red and smooth.)
3. Form the dough (5 minutes): Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook. Gradually add remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until soft dough forms. (Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.)
4. Knead to perfection (8-10 minutes): Transfer dough to floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, or use stand mixer on low speed for 6-8 minutes. (Properly kneaded dough springs back when pressed.)
5. First rise (1-1 1/2 hours): Place dough in greased bowl, cover with clean kitchen towel, and let rise in warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 2: Creating the Cinnamon Filling

6. Make filling paste (3 minutes): While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in small bowl until thick paste forms. Set aside at room temperature.
7. Prepare chocolate chips (1 minute): If using mini chocolate chips, measure out 1/2 cup and keep ready for assembly.

Step 3: Rolling and Assembling Your Cinnamon Rolls

8. Roll out dough (5 minutes): Once risen, punch down dough gently and roll on floured surface into 16×12 inch rectangle. (Use measuring tape for accuracy.)
9. Spread filling (2 minutes): Spread cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over dough, leaving 1/2 inch border around edges for easier rolling.
10. Add chocolate (1 minute): Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly across filling for decadent chocolate pockets in every bite.
11. Roll and cut (5 minutes): Starting from one long side, tightly roll dough into log. Pinch seam to seal. Using dental floss or sharp knife, slice into 12 equal pieces.
12. Second rise (30 minutes): Arrange rolls in greased 9×13 inch baking dish with small space between each. Cover and let rise until puffy.

Step 4: Baking and Frosting

13. Bake to golden perfection (20-25 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until puffed and edges are golden brown. (Don’t overbake to keep them soft and tender.)
14. Make cream cheese frosting (5 minutes): While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
15. Frost and serve (3 minutes): Let rolls cool 5-10 minutes, then spread generous amount of cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Expert Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant color without adding excess moisture to the dough. Ensure your milk is exactly 110°F—too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t activate it properly. For perfect rising, place dough in a turned-off oven with the light on or near a sunny window. Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing them—simply slide floss under log, cross ends over top, and pull tight. Make these ahead by preparing rolls the night before through step 12, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning. If you love these, try our Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls for another stunning variation.

How to Store and Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. For longer storage, freeze baked unfrosted rolls in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, reheat in 300°F oven for 10 minutes, then frost before serving. These rolls taste absolutely divine served warm with the frosting slightly melted. Pair them with hot coffee, fresh fruit, or crispy bacon for an unforgettable brunch spread.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Variations You’ll Love

Create chocolate red velvet rolls by adding 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough for deeper chocolate flavor. Make heart-shaped rolls for Valentine’s Day by cutting the log at an angle and arranging pieces into heart formation before second rise. Try white chocolate cream cheese frosting by melting 4 ounces white chocolate and mixing into the frosting. Add crushed candy canes on top during holidays for festive peppermint flavor. For a fun twist, stuff each roll with a cream cheese filling before adding cinnamon sugar. You’ll also love our Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles and Soft and Moist Red Velvet Cupcakes for more red velvet treats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Final Thoughts on This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These heavenly red velvet cinnamon rolls truly are a celebration of indulgence, combining the best elements of red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls into one unforgettable treat. The stunning visual presentation makes them perfect for impressing guests, while the incredible flavor keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, these rolls deliver comfort and joy with every pillowy bite. The recipe is more approachable than it looks, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us on Pinterest at for more amazing breakfast and dessert recipes that will make every morning special!