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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Make breakfast amazing with these gorgeous red velvet rolls! Starting with easy-to-use cake mix, they stay perfectly tender and light. Each sweet swirl is packed with buttery cinnamon goodness, creating that unmistakable cinnamon roll taste you love. A thick layer of cream cheese frosting completes these rolls as they bake to perfection. Though they need some rising time, the actual steps are super straightforward. Great for cozy weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving a treat.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:24:30 GMT
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Experience the ultimate breakfast indulgence with these decadent red velvet cinnamon rolls. Each soft, pillowy spiral features rich red dough wrapped around a buttery cinnamon filling, finished with smooth cream cheese frosting. This creative fusion brings together classic cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake in one stunning breakfast treat.

These stunning rolls have become a cherished recipe in countless kitchens. The vibrant red color and heavenly aroma create an unforgettable breakfast experience that's perfect for special celebrations.

Essential Ingredients

  • Red velvet cake mix (1 box): Creates the signature color and flavor base
  • All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Provides essential structure and texture
  • Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Ensures proper rise
  • Lukewarm water (1½ cups): Activates yeast at 110°F
  • Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds rich caramel notes
  • Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Provides classic spice flavor
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Creates tender, rich texture
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces): Makes perfectly smooth frosting
  • Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens frosting
  • Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor
  • Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness

Preparation Method

Mix Base:
Combine cake mix and flour thoroughly in mixer bowl.
Prepare Yeast:
Add yeast to precisely warmed water for activation.
Knead Dough:
Mix until smooth and elastic, pulling cleanly from bowl.
First Rest:
Let rise in covered bowl until doubled.
Shape Dough:
Roll to 16x12 inches on floured surface.
Add Filling:
Spread butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
Form Rolls:
Roll tightly from long edge, maintaining even pressure.
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Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | linacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm when the frosting becomes luxuriously melted. Arrange on a platter for an impressive breakfast centerpiece that will draw everyone to the table with their irresistible aroma.

Recipe Variations

  • Top with crushed pecans before baking
  • Add chocolate chips to the filling
  • Include orange zest in cream cheese frosting

Storage Guidelines

Store unfrosted rolls at room temperature for 2 days in airtight container. Freeze unbaked rolls in covered pan for longer storage. Thaw overnight before baking. Frosted rolls need refrigeration and stay fresh for 3 days.

These red velvet cinnamon rolls bring warmth and celebration to any breakfast table. Perfect for holidays and special occasions, their striking appearance and delicious flavor create memorable moments.

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Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will these rolls stay fresh?
You can keep them for two days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container.
→ Can I make these rolls in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them warm up to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
→ What’s the easiest way to warm them up?
Microwave a roll for 15 seconds at a time until it’s warm. Be careful since the frosting can heat up fast!
→ Why is cake mix used in this recipe?
The cake mix simplifies the process, adds both color and flavor, and guarantees a softer texture for your rolls.
→ How do I know the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size. Give it a gentle poke—if the indentation stays, it’s good to go.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy effortless red velvet cinnamon rolls made with cake mix, finished with a creamy cheese frosting for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

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

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 pack of red velvet cake mix
02 2 ½ cups of regular all-purpose flour
03 2 teaspoons dry yeast (the kind that works instantly)
04 1 ¼ cups of warm water

→ Filling

05 1 tightly packed cup of brown sugar
06 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
07 ⅓ cup of butter, melted

→ Cream Cheese Icing

08 6 tablespoons of softened butter
09 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
10 ¼ cup of room-temperature cream cheese
11 ½ teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
12 ⅛ teaspoon of salt

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together the cake mix, yeast, and 1 cup of flour. Pour in the warm water and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed with a mixer. Switch to the dough hook and slowly add the rest of the flour until the dough gets soft and slightly sticky. Coat a bowl with grease, pop in the dough, and flip it to coat the top. Cover it and put it in a warm spot for about an hour and a half, until it doubles in size.

Step 02

In a bowl, stir the cinnamon and brown sugar together until combined.

Step 03

Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 04

Take the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16 inches long, 12 inches wide, and ¼ inch thick. Brush the melted butter all over the surface, then sprinkle the sugar mix across the top evenly.

Step 05

Starting from one of the long edges, roll up the dough tightly toward the other long edge. Slice the roll into pieces about 1½ inches thick, then arrange them in the greased pan. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for half an hour or until they look puffier.

Step 06

Heat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for around 20 minutes, or until they turn a golden color.

Step 07

While the rolls are in the oven, mix the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat them together until the icing is creamy and fluffy.

Step 08

When the rolls have baked and are still warm, slather on the icing generously.

Notes

  1. You can leave cream cheese icing out at room temperature for about 8 hours. After that, stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. These rolls stay fresh for 2 days if kept at room temperature or up to a week in a sealed container in the fridge.
  3. Microwave individual rolls for 15 seconds to warm them back up.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Mixing bowls made of glass
  • A spatula for scraping
  • A 9x13-inch pan for baking

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe contains dairy ingredients, like butter and cream cheese.
  • It includes wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free.

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