There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. Now imagine those same fluffy rolls infused with the rich flavor and vibrant color of red velvet cake, finished with silky cream cheese frosting melting into every swirl. These Soft Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent twist on a classic breakfast treat, perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you want to impress with a stunning homemade dessert.

Red velvet desserts are known for their subtle cocoa flavor, tender crumb, and signature deep red hue. Combining that with the warm cinnamon filling and tangy frosting creates a dessert that’s both visually striking and irresistibly delicious. The result is a soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, baked until golden, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that seeps into every crevice.

This recipe is designed to give you bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right from your kitchen, with detailed tips to ensure success even if you’re new to working with yeast dough.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

There are many reasons these rolls quickly become a favorite once you try them:

Ultra-soft texture thanks to enriched dough with milk, butter, and eggs
Beautiful red velvet color that makes them perfect for special occasions
Balanced sweetness with a slight cocoa flavor
Tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the cinnamon filling
Make-ahead friendly for stress-free mornings

They’re not just a treat — they’re an experience.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Dough

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)

For the Cinnamon Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
Form the Dough
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Roll the Dough
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Spread Butter and Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through and lightly golden on top.
Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed for spreadable consistency.
Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Use Warm, Not Hot Milk
Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for about 100–110°F (38–43°C).

Don’t Over-Flour
Too much flour makes dense rolls. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.

Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Eggs and butter blend better when not cold, giving a smoother dough.

Cutting Rolls Cleanly
Dental floss works better than a knife to avoid squishing the dough.

Flavor Variations

If you love experimenting, here are some creative twists:

Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
Orange Zest Frosting: Add citrus zest for a bright flavor contrast.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.
Espresso Frosting: Add a hint of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

Breakfast or brunch centerpiece
Holiday dessert for Christmas or Valentine’s Day
Afternoon coffee treat
Birthday breakfast surprise
Romantic dessert for special occasions

Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Overnight Option:
Prepare rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30–45 minutes before baking.

Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds for fresh-from-the-oven softness.

The Secret Behind Red Velvet Flavor

Many people think red velvet is just chocolate with food coloring, but it’s more nuanced. The slight cocoa flavor combined with buttery richness and mild tanginess creates a unique taste profile that’s both comforting and luxurious. When paired with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon spice, it becomes even more irresistible.

Why Homemade Is Better Than Bakery

Store-bought cinnamon rolls can be overly sweet or dry. Making them at home allows you to control:

Sweetness level
Freshness
Texture
Ingredient quality
Frosting quantity (the best part!)

Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is unbeatable.

Fun Occasions to Make These Rolls

Valentine’s Day breakfast
Mother’s Day brunch
Holiday mornings
Anniversaries
Weekend baking projects with family

Their bright red color naturally makes them festive and eye-catching.

Final Thoughts

Soft Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate combination of elegance and comfort. They bring together the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls with the indulgence of red velvet cake, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and special.

Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees fluffy rolls, gooey cinnamon layers, and creamy frosting in every bite.

Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a requested favorite for celebrations and cozy mornings alike.

Soft Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Fluffy homemade red velvet cinnamon rolls filled with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes