Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Why Make This Recipe

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze combine the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls with a unique red velvet twist. They are not only visually stunning but also taste delicious. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or just a sweet treat, these rolls add a festive touch to any occasion. Plus, the cream cheese glaze takes them to another level of sweetness, making them irresistible.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp red food coloring
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for filling)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened (for glaze)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, softened butter, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it is smooth, which takes about 8 minutes.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon evenly over the top.
5. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.
7. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the cream cheese glaze ingredients until creamy. Once the rolls are done, spread the glaze over the warm rolls.
8. For an extra wow factor, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs on top. Enjoy the rolls warm with coffee, tea, or a big glass of milk!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, drizzled with cream cheese glaze. Pair them with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. They can also be served at a festive gathering or special occasion.

How to Store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

To store the rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. To enjoy them again, simply warm them in the microwave.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

• Make sure the milk is warm but not hot, as overly hot liquid can kill the yeast.
• Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which helps create a fluffy texture.
• Don’t rush the rising times. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for the best results.
• Use a sharp knife or a floss to cut the rolls to avoid squishing them.

Variation

You might try swapping the cream cheese glaze with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, roll, and cut the rolls. Let them rise in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the morning.

2. What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can skip it. The rolls will still taste delicious but won’t have the red velvet appearance.

3. How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and fluffy to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the rolls are done.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious and visually stunning Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup warm milk Should be warm but not hot.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp red food coloring
• 1/2 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For filling.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for filling)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Glaze Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened (for glaze)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, softened butter, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until it is smooth, which takes about 8 minutes.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Filling and Baking

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon evenly over the top.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 rolls.
4. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

Glazing

1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the cream cheese glaze ingredients until creamy.
2. Once the rolls are done, spread the glaze over the warm rolls.
3. For an extra wow factor, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs on top.

Notes

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, drizzled with cream cheese glaze. Pair them with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave.