These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are a luxurious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, blending the soft, fluffy texture of traditional rolls with the rich cocoa flavor and striking red hue of red velvet. Finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or anytime you want to impress with a bakery-style treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and irresistibly indulgent. The dough has a subtle chocolate flavor, enhanced by the deep red color of red velvet. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds warmth and spice, while the smooth cream cheese glaze balances the sweetness with a slight tang. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or a weekend baking project, these rolls will leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• all-purpose flour
• instant yeast
• granulated sugar
• salt
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• warm milk
• unsalted butter, melted
• large egg
• red food coloring

For the Filling:

• brown sugar, packed
• cinnamon
• unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• cream cheese, softened
• unsalted butter, softened
• powdered sugar
• vanilla extract
• milk (as needed to thin)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
6. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden around the edges.
11. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
12. Spread the glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.
• Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence.
• No Red Dye: Skip the food coloring for a subtle cocoa-cinnamon roll instead.
• Maple Glaze: Swap cream cheese glaze for a maple glaze for a different twist.
• Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients.

How do I make the dough rise faster?

Place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm spot in your kitchen to speed up rising.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, the red color is optional and does not affect the flavor.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, during kneading until the dough is manageable but still soft.

Can I make these in a stand mixer?

Yes, use a dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes.

Should the glaze be applied warm or cold?

Apply the glaze while the rolls are warm so it melts slightly into the swirls.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, vanilla icing, maple glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar are all suitable alternatives.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Cover them tightly once cooled to retain moisture, and avoid overbaking.

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough using the dough cycle on a bread machine.

Can I prepare these for a crowd?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily and can be baked in two pans for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are the perfect blend of rich cocoa, warm cinnamon, and creamy sweetness. With their soft, fluffy texture and beautiful presentation, they make an eye-catching centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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