Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box of Red Velvet Cake Mix; 2 and ½ cups of Flour; 2 cups of Warm Water; 1 packet of Active Dry Yeast; Extra Flour for kneading; Cooking Spray for bowl; 1 stick of Softened Butter; ½ cup of Brown Sugar packed; 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon; 1 cup of White Chocolate Chips; ¼ a cup of Heavy Whipping Cream

Let me introduce you to the ultimate sweet breakfast treat: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine the classic cinnamon roll you already adore, now elevated by the rich, vibrant hue and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet, then swirled with creamy white chocolate glaze. Every bite has just enough nostalgia and a playful twist — making these rolls perfect for sharing with family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself to something unforgettable.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls lies in how a handful of pantry staples layer flavors and textures into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from creating a plush dough to delivering every swirl of cinnamon-sweet filling.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: Ensures the signature color and subtle cocoa flavor that make these rolls stand out from the classic version.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Adds structure and softness to your dough, keeping each roll fluffy and tender.
Warm Water (2 cups): Activates the yeast and helps blend the dough to the perfect tacky consistency.
Active Dry Yeast (1 packet): Gives your cinnamon rolls that beautiful rise and pillowy texture.
Extra Flour: For dusting and kneading, preventing sticking and giving you an easy dough to work with.
Cooking Spray: Keeps the dough from sticking to your bowl as it rises, making cleanup a breeze.
Softened Butter (1 stick): The base of a sumptuous filling, easy to spread and full of flavor.
Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Deep, caramel notes add warmth and gooey-ness to every swirl.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The spice that makes these cinnamon rolls truly irresistible — don’t skimp!
White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melt into a dreamy glaze, balancing tangy red velvet with vanilla-sweet notes.
Heavy Whipping Cream (¼ cup): Delivers richness to your glaze, turning it silky smooth and decadent.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough Mixtures

Begin by sifting your flour and red velvet cake mix into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, stir the yeast into warm water and let it sit until luxuriously foamy — this means your yeast is bubbly and alive, ready to help your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls rise to cloud-like heights.

Step 2: Mix and Knead

Combine your activated yeast mixture with the sifted dry ingredients. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough attachment and mix until a sticky, cohesive dough forms. Transfer it to a floured countertop and knead by hand for a few minutes, feeling the dough become supple and smooth under your palms. Shape it into a ball.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking spray, set your dough ball inside, then cover the bowl with a towel. Place it somewhere warm and cozy, then give it a full hour to rise. This is the secret to fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls — letting the yeast work its magic so the rolls are as soft as they are striking.

Step 4: Roll and Spread

Once risen, punch down your dough and knead briefly to release excess air. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten it to about ¼ inch thickness. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth, then slather it evenly over the entire surface of your rolled-out dough. The aroma at this step is reason enough to keep going!

Step 5: Roll Up and Slice

With the long edge facing you, begin rolling the dough into a tight log, ensuring the glorious filling stays tucked inside every swirl. Use a sharp knife to cut your log into one-inch slices — these will become the gorgeous, vibrant spirals everyone craves.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Arrange the rolls snugly in a well-greased 9-inch baking dish. Pop them in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until puffed and just set. The scent of cinnamon and red velvet will have everyone peeking in the kitchen, guaranteed.

Step 7: Make the White Chocolate Glaze

While the rolls are still warm, microwave your white chocolate chips and heavy cream together for about 90 seconds. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and glossy — then drizzle it lovingly over every roll for that final, decadent flourish.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, an extra dusting of cinnamon, or a scattering of red velvet cake crumbs on top adds drama and delight to your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. For special mornings, a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint creates a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh berries, a creamy vanilla yogurt parfait, or even a handful of salted nuts for balance. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or softly scrambled eggs to round out the sweetness with savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls on a pretty cake stand, or stack them up in a napkin-lined basket for casual mornings. Individual ramekins make for adorable single servings, or slice the rolls in half and stuff them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have extras, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before wrapping them individually in plastic or storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and pillowy for up to three days on your counter.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Freeze baked and cooled rolls without the glaze in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight and finish with a fresh drizzle of white chocolate glaze for best results.

Reheating

To rewarm, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15 to 20 seconds, or until warm and gooey. For a slightly crisp edge, pop them in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes before glazing.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry in a 1:1 swap. Since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, just add it directly to your dry ingredients — this can shave a few minutes off your prep time.

Do I need to use a stand mixer?

No stand mixer? No problem! You can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy spoon, then knead it on a floured surface. It may take a few extra minutes, but it works beautifully and gives you that hands-on connection to your dough.

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Certainly! Prepare the rolls up to the point of slicing and placing in the baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them rest at room temperature while the oven preheats the next morning, then bake as usual.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls moist?

Once baked and slightly cooled, store Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container is an old baker’s trick that helps lock in moisture, so your rolls stay deliciously soft.

How can I make them dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a plant-based spread, and use coconut cream plus dairy-free white chocolate for the glaze. These small substitutions will keep the rolls rich, tender, and totally dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a jaw-dropping, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch treat, give these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls a try! They’re fun to make, even more rewarding to share, and guaranteed to bring big smiles all around. Don’t wait for a special occasion — any day is a good day for a batch of these unforgettable rolls.