Four vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, served on parchment paper in a white dish.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze

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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze – Soft, vibrant rolls swirled with cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and eye-catching: The red velvet hue makes them perfect for holidays and celebrations.
  • Soft and fluffy texture: The enriched yeast dough bakes up tender and pillowy.
  • Rich, creamy topping: The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect tangy-sweet finish.
  • Homemade charm: More rewarding and flavorful than store-bought rolls.
  • Make-ahead option: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring (gel or liquid, as needed for desired color)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for desired consistency

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, salt, and food coloring. Mix to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Roll dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
  7. Roll dough tightly from the long end into a log and slice into 8–10 even rolls.
  8. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  10. Meanwhile, make the glaze by beating cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
  11. Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: 10
  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 390 kcal

Variations

  • Chocolate chip twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent bite.
  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
  • Maple glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for maple extract for a warm, cozy flavor.
  • Mini rolls: Make smaller rolls and reduce baking time by 5–8 minutes.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I Make These The Night Before?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Bring to room temperature and let rise 30–45 minutes before baking.

Do I Have To Use Food Coloring?

No, the red color is optional. They’ll still taste just as delicious without it.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead Of Active Dry?

Yes, instant yeast can be used without proofing. Add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?

Make sure your milk isn’t too hot, and your yeast is fresh. Temperatures over 115°F can kill yeast.

Can I Make These Without A Stand Mixer?

Absolutely, knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic—it may take a bit longer.

How Can I Tell If They’re Fully Baked?

They should be golden on top and firm in the center. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes, just use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

Is There A Dairy-Free Version?

Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk alternatives. Be sure to check labels for substitutions.

What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Cheese In The Glaze?

Try mascarpone or a simple vanilla icing made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Can I Add A Filling Like Nutella Or Jam?

Yes, you can spread a thin layer before adding the cinnamon sugar—just don’t overfill to avoid leaks.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are the perfect treat for special occasions or when you’re craving something sweet and luxurious. Their soft texture, rich filling, and luscious glaze will make them the star of your breakfast table or dessert spread.

Print
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Close-up of red velvet cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon filling and topped with rich cream cheese glaze and a dusting of cocoa powder.This image showcases indulgent red velvet cinnamon rolls, baked to pillowy perfection and generously coated in a smooth, creamy cream cheese glaze. The deep red dough contrasts beautifully with the white frosting, while a light dusting of cocoa powder on top enhances the chocolatey richness. Served on a white plate with more rolls visible in the background, these treats are a stunning and delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll—ideal for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want to impress with dessert.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze

  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A luscious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, these soft, fluffy red velvet rolls are swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a rich cream cheese glaze—perfect for holidays or indulgent mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring (gel or liquid, as needed for desired color)
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for desired consistency

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, salt, and food coloring. Mix to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Roll dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
  7. Roll dough tightly from the long end into a log and slice into 8–10 even rolls.
  8. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  10. Meanwhile, make the glaze by beating cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
  11. Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red velvet rolls without thinning the dough.
  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • These rolls can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast/Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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