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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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Transform your breakfast with these stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls! Using red velvet cake mix as a shortcut, these rolls come out perfectly soft and fluffy every time. Each spiral is filled with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar mixture that creates that classic cinnamon roll flavor we all love. The finishing touch is a generous layer of cream cheese icing that melts slightly into the warm rolls. While they take some time to rise, the actual hands-on prep is surprisingly simple. Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to make breakfast extra special.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:28:30 GMT
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These pillowy-soft red velvet cinnamon rolls combine two beloved classics into one irresistible treat. Each spiral features vibrant red dough wrapped around a buttery cinnamon filling, crowned with silky cream cheese frosting. The marriage of red velvet cake and classic cinnamon rolls creates a breakfast masterpiece that's perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence.

Making these rolls has become our Christmas morning tradition. The first time I pulled these ruby-red beauties from the oven, my children's eyes lit up with pure joy. Now they request them for every special occasion.

Perfect Ingredient Selection

  • Red velvet cake mix (1 box): Forms the foundation for perfectly tender dough. Choose premium brands for best results
  • All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Provides structure and proper gluten development. Use unbleached for best results
  • Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Ensures reliable rise without proofing. Store in freezer for longevity
  • Lukewarm water (1½ cups): Must be exactly 110°F for optimal yeast activation
  • Light brown sugar (1 cup): Creates caramel notes in filling. Look for fresh, soft sugar without lumps
  • Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Select fresh, aromatic Ceylon cinnamon for complex flavor
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): European-style provides superior richness
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces): Full-fat Philadelphia brand ensures perfect frosting texture
  • Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sift before using to prevent lumps
  • Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Use genuine extract for authentic flavor
  • Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors

Creating Perfect Rolls

Dough Foundation:
Combine cake mix with precisely measured flour in stand mixer bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Yeast Activation:
Add lukewarm water to instant yeast, maintaining perfect 110°F temperature for optimal growth.
Dough Development:
Mix with dough hook until achieving soft, elastic texture that gently pulls away from bowl sides.
First Rise:
Place in oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, allowing dough to double in size in warm environment.
Rolling Technique:
Roll dough on lightly floured surface into precise 16x12 inch rectangle, maintaining even thickness.
Filling Application:
Brush melted butter generously, followed by cinnamon sugar mixture spread to edges.
Rolling Method:
Begin from long edge, rolling tightly while maintaining even pressure throughout.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Growing up, my grandmother taught me the importance of patience during the rising process. She would say, 'Dough is like children - it needs warmth and time to grow.' Those words echo in my kitchen every time I make these rolls.

Family Serving Suggestions

Present these rolls warm from the oven, when the cream cheese frosting gently melts into every crevice. During holiday mornings, I arrange them on a vintage serving platter, creating an inviting centerpiece that draws everyone to the kitchen. The aroma alone becomes part of our family's morning ritual.

Creative Variations

  • Add chopped pecans to the filling for delightful crunch
  • Incorporate mini chocolate chips for double chocolate impact
  • Experiment with orange zest in the frosting for citrus brightness

Storage Success

Keep unfrosted rolls in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls in lined pan, wrapped thoroughly in plastic. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. Frosted rolls must be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.

Through years of baking these rolls, I've learned that the magic lies in the details. Each time I make them, they bring together not just flavors, but family traditions and precious memories. The vibrant red color makes them especially perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas morning celebrations.

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Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
They last 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I prepare these the night before?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
→ What's the best way to reheat them?
Microwave individual rolls in 15-second intervals until warm. Be careful as the icing can get very hot quickly.
→ Why do we use cake mix in this recipe?
The cake mix provides flavor, color, and helps create a soft, tender texture while making the recipe much easier and quicker.
→ How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during both rises. You can test it by gently poking it - if the indentation stays, it's ready.

Easy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These red velvet cinnamon rolls start with cake mix for an easy shortcut, then get topped with creamy cream cheese icing for pure breakfast bliss.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 box red velvet cake mix
02 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
03 2 teaspoons instant yeast
04 1 ¼ cups warm water

→ Filling

05 1 cup packed brown sugar
06 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
07 ⅓ cup melted butter

→ Cream Cheese Icing

08 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
10 ¼ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
11 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 01

Combine cake mix, 1 cup of flour and yeast. Add water; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Change to dough hook attachment and stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1½ hours.

Step 02

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

Step 03

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 04

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. Spread ⅓ cup of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar mixture evenly.

Step 05

Working carefully, roll the dough from the long edge down to the bottom edge. Cut into 1½ inch slices and place in the greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 06

Preheat oven to 350℉. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

While the rolls are baking, mix all the icing ingredients and beat well with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.

Step 08

When the rolls are done, spread generously with icing while still warm.

Notes

  1. Cream cheese icing can stay at room temperature up to 8 hours, after that refrigerate for up to 3 days
  2. Rolls last 2 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge in an airtight container
  3. Reheat individual rolls in 15-second microwave intervals

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
  • Glass mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • 9x13-inch baking pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese)
  • Contains wheat/gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 491
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 81 g
  • Protein: 6 g