Name: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup bread flour; 3/4 cup water; 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature); 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 3 2/3 cups bread flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Tangzhong (prepared as described in step 1); 1/2-1 teaspoon red gel food coloring; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

If you are looking to impress your brunch guests or just treat yourself to something spectacular and decadent, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls bring together the luscious flavors of classic Red Velvet cake with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and a luscious cream cheese frosting on top. From the delightfully soft dough infused with a hint of cocoa to the swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness, every bite is a symphony of flavor and texture. The deep red hue not only makes these rolls visually irresistible but also adds to the sense of celebration they bring to your kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds several unmixed ingredients, sitting on a white marbled surface. The bowl contains a base layer of light brown flour mixed with cocoa powder, forming a powdery, soft texture that fills most of the space. On top of this layer, there is a creamy, off-white dollop of thick batter on the left side. Near the center, a single raw egg with a bright yellow yolk and clear white rests gently on the flour. Above the egg, a small pool of dark brown vanilla extract adds contrast. Around these, patches of a white liquid, possibly milk or cream, create irregular shapes over the flour. The mix looks ready to be stirred together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The best part about this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s building the dough’s tender texture, creating those signature cinnamon swirls, or ensuring the frosting melts beautifully over the rolls.

Bread flour: The high protein content gives the rolls that chewy, tender bite we all adore.
Water: Necessary for activating the dough and blending the tangzhong for softness.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Add richness and moisture to the dough for extra fluffiness.
White vinegar: Works magic with the dairy to tenderize and balance the pH.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly without overpowering.
Cocoa powder: Adds a delicate chocolate undertone aligning perfectly with the red velvet vibe.
Instant yeast: The key to that perfect fluffy rise enhancing the texture.
Fine sea salt: Brings out all the flavors in the dough and filling.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and enriches its color and flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth and warmth to every bite.
Red gel food coloring: Creates that iconic red velvet color that makes these rolls stand out.
Unsalted butter: Used in both dough and filling for richness and tenderness.
Brown sugar: Intensifies the caramelized sweetness in the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: The sparkling spice that defines the filling’s character.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds a luxurious vanilla flavor, carrying those tiny flecks of bean.
Cream cheese: The hero ingredient for the silky, tangy frosting that makes these rolls irresistible.
Powdered sugar: Balances the tang with sweetness in the frosting.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by whisking water and bread flour in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly until it thickens to a paste-like slurry. This tangzhong technique is the secret to ultra-soft, fluffy rolls that stay fresh longer—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix whole milk, heavy cream, and white vinegar. This mixture brings smooth creaminess and the perfect acidity to tenderize your dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant yeast, and sea salt. These basics form the backbone of your dough with a subtle chocolate undertone pairing beautifully with the red velvet profile.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Add the milk mixture, egg, vanilla, tangzhong, and red gel food coloring to the dry ingredients. Use a dough hook on low to start bringing everything together for 2 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter

Add softened butter 1/2 tablespoon at a time, letting it fully absorb before adding more. This slow addition is what makes these rolls tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth divine.

Step 6: Knead to Perfection

Knead for another 8-10 minutes until the dough turns smooth and elastic — silky and stretchy with just the right bounce, indicating it’s ready for rising.

Step 7: Rest the Dough

Shape the dough into a ball, place in a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting phase allows gluten to relax, making rolling out a breeze later.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. This decadent filling is where that warm spice and caramel sweetness marry into pure bliss.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then slice into twelve equal strips. Roll each strip tightly and place them in a parchment-lined baking pan for the final rise.

Step 10: Let Them Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Bake at 325°F (162°C) for 28-35 minutes, or until the centers reach 175°F-180°F. The scent that fills your kitchen will be pure happiness!

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and heavy cream for a frosting that’s luxuriously creamy and slightly tangy—a perfect contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls.

Step 12: Frost and Serve Warm

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before slathering on the frosting, then let it settle for 15 minutes so it can melt into all those soft layers. Serve these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe warm for the ultimate cozy indulgence!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

The image shows a tray filled with eight red spiral rolls. Each roll is made of several thin layers of bright red dough with dark brown filling swirled evenly between the layers, creating a clear spiral pattern from the center to the outside. The rolls have a soft, smooth texture and are placed closely together on parchment paper inside a metal tray. The surface under the tray has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of festivity, sprinkle some edible glitter or red sugar crystals over the frosting just before serving. A few fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder can also amplify the visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement the cinnamon spice. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey balances the richness of the rolls and rounds out a lovely brunch or dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls stacked on a tiered platter for a brunch centerpiece, or arrange them in individual mini cast iron skillets to wow guests with both taste and presentation. Wrapping them individually with a ribbon creates an adorable edible gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their softness and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by covering the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then allow them to rise before baking. Baked rolls also freeze well; just wrap them tightly before placing in the freezer.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely with foil until heated through. This method restores that fresh-baked softness and lets the frosting become beautifully melty again.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour provides more gluten which yields a chewier and more elastic dough. Using all-purpose flour will still work but expect slightly softer rolls with less structure.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring? Can I use liquid?

Gel food coloring is more concentrated and won’t thin your dough, so it’s ideal. If using liquid, use less and add it gradually to avoid making the dough too wet.

Do I have to make the tangzhong? Can I skip it?

You can omit the tangzhong, but it helps make the rolls exceptionally soft and tender. Skipping it means your rolls may not stay fresh quite as long or feel quite as fluffy.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can do the final rise overnight in the fridge, then bake them fresh in the morning. This slow rise improves flavor and is a great way to save time.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Besides checking for a golden top, the best way is to use a thermometer. The center should reach about 175°F to 180°F to ensure the dough is fully cooked but still tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive into this wonderful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe because the payoff is truly extraordinary. There’s something so joyful about creating these beautiful, soft, and flavorful cinnamon rolls from scratch — nothing beats that homemade aroma filling your home or the pleasure of sharing these sweet slices of heaven with loved ones. Go ahead and try this recipe; I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your kitchen!