Can you make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep them the night before. After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them warm up on the counter before baking so you can enjoy fresh red velvet cinnamon rolls without early-morning prep.

Do you need food coloring for red velvet dough?

You don’t need food coloring, but it creates the red velvet appearance. Natural alternatives like beet powder or natural gel color work too, though the final color may be softer.

Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?

Dense rolls often happen when the dough doesn’t rise long enough or when the flour is packed too tightly. Allow both rises to fully double in size and measure flour lightly to keep the rolls soft.

Can you make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?

You can use a baking-powder-based dough for a quick version, but the texture will be less fluffy. Traditional yeast provides the classic soft layers expected in red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – 5 Irresistible Soft & Gooey Treats

Description

Soft, tender red velvet cinnamon rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy, melt-in icing for an irresistible homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm milk or buttermilk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 to 2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
5 tablespoons softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

Warm milk or buttermilk and combine with yeast and sugar until foamy.
Mix in butter, eggs, cocoa powder, coloring, flour, and salt to form dough.
Knead dough until smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise until doubled in size.
Roll dough into a rectangle and spread butter and cinnamon sugar filling.
Roll dough into a log and slice evenly.
Allow rolls to rise again in the pan.
Bake at 350°F until soft and lightly golden.
Prepare icing and spread over warm rolls.

Notes

Let the dough fully rise for the fluffiest rolls.
Use gel coloring for vibrant red dough.
Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight to bake fresh in the morning.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 210
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 3
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 40