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shot of a full pan of freshly baked red velvet cinnamon rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls (Better Than the Bakery!)

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a gorgeous red velvet twist and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine's Day brunch or any morning that deserves something special!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Rolls
Calories 418 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tbsp red gel food coloring

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Make the dough by combining flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa in a stand mixer. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and food coloring. Knead with dough hook for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 60-75 minutes until doubled.
  • Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa for filling. Set aside.
  • Roll risen dough into 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving 1/2-inch border on one edge. Roll tightly into log and cut into 12 pieces.
  • Place rolls in greased 9x13-inch pan. Cover and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  • Bake at 350°F for 22-26 minutes until edges are golden. Cool 10 minutes.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

Substitutions: Use active dry yeast instead of instant (add 5 minutes to rise time). Omit food coloring for chocolate cinnamon rolls. Use beet powder for natural coloring.
Tips: Weigh flour (480g) for best results. Use dental floss to cut rolls without squishing. Don't overbake—check at 22 minutes. Rolls should be moist in center.
Reheating: Microwave individual rolls 20-30 seconds, or warm covered pan at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Keyword brunch recipe, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls