If you love the rich flavor of red velvet cake and the cozy comfort of warm cinnamon rolls, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. They combine the best of both worlds—tender, ruby-hued dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday brunches, or weekend baking, this recipe is a showstopper that’s as stunning as it is delicious. It’s no surprise that red velvet treats are trending—they offer both elegance and indulgence in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Eye-catching and festive – The vibrant red color makes these cinnamon rolls perfect for celebrations or special mornings.
- Incredibly soft and fluffy – The enriched dough bakes up pillowy and tender with just the right amount of chew.
- Decadent flavor combo – Red velvet cocoa notes + warm cinnamon + tangy cream cheese icing = irresistible.
- Beginner-friendly – Even if you’re new to baking, the step-by-step instructions make it approachable.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the sweetness or add extras like chocolate chips or nuts.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Here are the essential ingredients that make this recipe shine:
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Cocoa powder – Gives the rolls their signature red velvet flavor and color depth.
- Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise into light, fluffy perfection.
- Buttermilk – Adds tenderness and a slight tang to the dough.
- Red food coloring – Gives these rolls their classic, vibrant red velvet hue.
- Brown sugar & cinnamon – The gooey swirl filling that adds warm sweetness and spice.
- Cream cheese – The star of the icing—rich, creamy, and slightly tangy.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the icing to just the right level of decadence.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances both the dough and icing with warm, sweet depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
- Prepare the Dough
Warm your buttermilk and activate the yeast. Mix with sugar, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, red coloring, and flour. Knead until smooth. - Let It Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours. - Make the Filling
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter on top. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. - Shape the Rolls
Roll up the dough tightly and slice into even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. - Bake the Rolls
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until puffy and just golden. - Make the Icing
While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. - Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls and enjoy immediately!
Expert Tip:
For ultra-soft rolls, don’t overbake—remove them when the tops are just set and the centers are still slightly soft.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add chocolate chips for a red velvet-chocolate mashup.
- Use orange zest in the icing for a citrus twist.
- Swap with gluten-free flour to make them gluten-friendly (add xanthan gum if needed).
- Make mini rolls for bite-sized party treats.
- Chill overnight after shaping, then bake in the morning for fresh rolls without the early wake-up.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds to restore their soft texture, or warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Freezing Tip:
Freeze unfrosted baked rolls tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight and reheat before icing.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of indulgent, creative desserts like these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious treats! Each one offers a fun twist on a classic favorite:
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups – A breakfast mashup of cinnamon rolls and French toast, perfect for weekend brunches.
- Red Velvet Cookies – Soft, chewy, and packed with that signature red velvet flavor—ideal for holiday baking or gifting.
- Chocolate Cream Heart Tarts – A romantic and elegant dessert that’s just right for Valentine’s Day or date night.
Explore these sweet recipes and keep the cozy baking vibes going!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After kneading, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Use regular milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup to mimic the tangy effect of buttermilk.
Can I use pre-made dough?
You can, but homemade red velvet dough gives the best color, texture, and flavor.
Is the food coloring optional?
Technically yes, but it’s what gives the rolls their signature red velvet appearance.
These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, holiday breakfast, or just because—you’ll be amazed by how easy and impressive they are. Give them a try, share them with someone you love, and don’t forget to check out more sweet recipes on the blog!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Buttermilk
- Unsalted butter melted
- Large eggs
- Red food coloring
- Salt
For the Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- Warm buttermilk to about 110°F. Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, red coloring, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth (about 8 minutes).
- First Rise
- Cover bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over the surface, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar.
- Roll & Cut
- Roll dough tightly from the long end. Slice into 10–12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
- Bake
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden.
- Make the Icing
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.
- Frost & Serve
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately!