INTRODUCTION
Red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that merges two favorite flavors: the rich taste of red velvet cake and the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. The vibrant red color adds a festive touch, making them perfect for special occasions or simply a cozy breakfast at home. With their fluffy texture and creamy icing, these rolls are a loved dessert that everyone will enjoy.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These easy red velvet cinnamon rolls are delicious and simple to make. They bring together the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked dough and the sweet, rich flavor of red velvet. The warm cinnamon filling complements the rolls perfectly, offering a fantastic balance of flavors. Topped with a creamy, tangy icing, these rolls are decadent but still feel light and fluffy.
This recipe is versatile too! You can serve them for a holiday brunch, a birthday party, or even an ordinary day that needs a little sweetness. They are comforting and remind you of home, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma while they bake. Easy enough for beginners yet delightful enough for experienced bakers, these rolls are sure to impress.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Making red velvet cinnamon rolls is straightforward and enjoyable. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of soft, delicious rolls ready to eat. Here’s how to make them:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (with dough hook attachment)
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Clean kitchen towel
- Knife or bench scraper
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup melted butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…› teaspoon salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm water to the bowl and mix it with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Switch to a dough hook attachment and gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. The dough will be sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, making sure to turn the dough once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, roughly 1½ hours.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the â…“ cup of melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Gently roll the dough from the long edge down to the bottom edge, creating a tight roll.
- Cut the roll into 1½ inch slices and place them in the greased baking pan.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they double in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
- Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. Mix together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the rolls are done baking, spread the icing generously over them while they are still warm.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These delightful rolls are best enjoyed warm. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a side of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or snack. You can also slice them in half and add a bit more icing for a sweeter treat. If you want to impress your guests, serve them on a beautiful platter with a drizzle of extra icing on top.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover rolls, cool them completely, then place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature, then reheat them in the microwave or oven.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
These cinnamon rolls pair well with coffee or hot chocolate. You can also serve fresh fruit or yogurt on the side for a balanced breakfast. For a fun twist, try adding toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sprinkles for a more festive look.
VARIATIONS
If you want to change things up, consider these variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon mixture before rolling.
- Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Frosting Variations: Add a bit of cocoa powder to the icing for a chocolate cream cheese frosting twist.
- Different Dough Base: Use a basic cinnamon roll dough instead of red velvet cake mix for classic rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake mix?
Yes! You can make your own red velvet cake mix using flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. How long does it take for the dough to rise?
The first rise usually takes about 1½ hours, and the second rise takes about 30 minutes.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough the night before. Let it rise, then refrigerate it. Before baking, allow it to come to room temperature and rise again.
4. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot. If the dough does not rise, it may not have been activated properly, and you might need to start over with new yeast.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
To make your morning easier, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. Make the dough and roll everything up in the evening, then place the rolls in the baking dish. Cover them well and place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take them out to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls without a lot of fuss.
With these easy red velvet cinnamon rolls, each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to your table. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results!
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm water to the bowl and mix it with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Switch to a dough hook attachment and gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. The dough will be sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, making sure to turn the dough once to grease the top.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, roughly 1½ hours.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Grease your 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Gently roll the dough from the long edge down to the bottom edge, creating a tight roll.
- Cut the roll into 1½ inch slices and place them in the greased baking pan.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they double in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
- Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by mixing together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the rolls are done baking, spread the icing generously over them while they are still warm.