Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these indulgent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing! This recipe has become a beloved tradition in my family, especially for special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas morning. The deep red hue of the dough, swirled with a decadent cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, creates a breakfast treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

I still remember the look of delight on my husband’s face when he tried these rolls for the first time. Even the busiest mornings became moments to savor with these red velvet beauties on the table. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible, and the taste? Pure breakfast heaven. Whether you’re serving them to loved ones or impressing guests at a brunch, these rolls are sure to steal the show. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing a new favorite in your home!

Quick Benefits

• Visual Impact: The deep crimson color and swirls of cinnamon-brown sugar filling make these rolls a stunning centerpiece on any brunch table.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and cream cheese icing creates a deliciously unique taste that surprises and delights.
• Versatility: Easily adaptable for different flavor profiles such as adding chocolate chips, orange zest, or toasted pecans, keeping the gorgeous red color intact.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight, or frozen for later enjoyment, making them perfect for special occasions and busy mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Impressive Visual Appeal: The deep crimson color of the red velvet dough with swirls of cinnamon-brown sugar filling makes these rolls look visually stunning and perfect for any special occasion.
• Incredible Aroma: The scent of these red velvet cinnamon rolls baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with a warm and comforting aroma that is absolutely divine.
• Family Favorite: These rolls have the power to turn a simple breakfast into a memorable family tradition that everyone looks forward to, making them a non-negotiable part of your special occasions.
• Delicious Cream Cheese Icing: The cream cheese icing drizzled over the warm rolls melts into all the nooks and crannies, adding a rich and tangy sweetness that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Versatile Flavor Profiles: You can customize the rolls with different variations like chocolate chips, orange zest, or toasted pecans to suit your taste preferences and create new flavor experiences while maintaining the vibrant red color.
• Make-Ahead Ease: With the option to prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning, these rolls are a convenient choice for breakfast or brunch gatherings, allowing you to enjoy a freshly baked treat with minimal effort.
• Long Lasting Freshness: The rolls stay soft and flavorful for up to 2 days when stored properly, and their color even intensifies overnight, making them a delightful treat to enjoy over multiple days or share with others.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or a family brunch, these red velvet cinnamon rolls make a stunning centerpiece on the table and add a touch of festive charm to the occasion.

Ingredients for Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Dough

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

Cinnamon Filling

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for smoothness)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar in a small bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Combine melted butter, egg + egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring in a large bowl. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and remaining sugar until dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if sticky. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 8-12 rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise & Bake

Grease a baking dish and arrange the rolls inside. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

Cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream; mix until creamy.

Step 7: Glaze & Enjoy

Spread the icing on warm rolls and allow it to melt into the swirls.

Storage Tips

Once the red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing are baked and iced, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. The rolls actually intensify in color and flavor overnight, making them even more attractive on day two. To refresh leftover rolls, you can microwave them for about 15 seconds to restore their fresh-baked texture.

If you want to prepare the rolls in advance for a morning event, you can refrigerate them overnight after the second rise. Simply cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes in the morning before baking. For longer storage, fully baked and iced rolls can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, then frozen. To reheat frozen rolls, bake them at 300°F for approximately 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats even after they’ve been frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe, you can consider using plant-based alternatives to make the recipe vegan-friendly. For instance, you can swap the warm milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Additionally, you can replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. To make the recipe egg-free, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed egg as a substitute for the large egg and egg yolk.

If you are looking to make a healthier version of these red velvet cinnamon rolls, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. This substitution will add more fiber and nutrients to the rolls. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or icing, or opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. For a lower-calorie cream cheese icing alternative, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a tangy and lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive touch, try shaping the red velvet cinnamon roll dough into hearts for Valentine’s Day breakfast, creating a stunning heart-patterned display in the baking dish. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for a “snow-capped” effect during the holidays. These rolls make a gorgeous centerpiece on any brunch table and pair perfectly with a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a side of fresh berries macerated with a splash of Grand Marnier (adults only for that brunch, of course!).

To add a twist to these red velvet cinnamon rolls, consider incorporating different flavor profiles while keeping the vibrant red color intact. For a chocolate lover’s delight, add mini chocolate chips to the filling. For a festive Christmas morning treat, try incorporating a hint of orange zest into the dough and filling. For a textural contrast, mix chopped toasted pecans into the filling. And for a decadent upgrade, enhance the cream cheese icing with a touch of bourbon for added depth. These versatile rolls can be customized to suit various preferences while maintaining their stunning appearance and delicious flavor profile.

FAQs for Decadent Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Question?

How long do these red velvet cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

Answer:

These rolls stay reasonably soft for about 2 days if stored in an airtight container. The color actually intensifies overnight, making them even prettier on day two! Microwave leftover rolls for about 15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Question?

Can I prepare these red velvet rolls ahead of time?

Answer:

Absolutely! You can prepare these rolls ahead by covering the pan with plastic wrap after the second rise and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also freeze fully baked and iced leftover rolls individually wrapped in plastic and foil. Reheat them at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Question?

Can I customize these red velvet cinnamon rolls with different flavors?

Answer:

Yes, these rolls are quite versatile. You can customize them by adding mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate twist, incorporating orange zest for a festive touch, or adding chopped toasted pecans for texture contrast. For a decadent version, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the cream cheese icing for added depth.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing as much as I have. The joy of baking and the love put into these rolls truly shines through in every bite. Whether you’re surprising your family with a special breakfast treat or looking to impress at a brunch gathering, these rolls are sure to delight and become a beloved tradition in your home, just like they have in mine.

Remember, baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and moments to cherish. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, put on some music, and dive into the delightful process of making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, the taste tantalize your taste buds, and the smiles on your family and friends’ faces warm your heart. Happy baking, and here’s to many more delicious moments with these iconic rolls!