I made these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls the first time because I wanted something different from regular cinnamon rolls but still soft and homemade. I almost thought the red velvet part would just look pretty without adding much flavor, but the little hint of cocoa with the cinnamon filling actually works really well together.

These rolls come out soft with swirls of cinnamon sugar inside and cream cheese frosting melting over the top while they’re still warm. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting long enough before grabbing one. I’ve made these for holidays, brunches, birthdays, and random weekends when I felt like baking something fun. If you already love recipes like Red Velvet Cake, Cinnamon Roll Bread, or Chocolate Chip Crumble Cake, these red velvet cinnamon rolls fit perfectly into that homemade baking rotation.

Why You Will Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

What I love most about these cinnamon rolls is how soft the dough stays while still having that classic cinnamon roll texture everyone wants.

The red velvet flavor adds just enough richness from the cocoa without turning the rolls into chocolate cinnamon rolls.

Another thing I like is the cream cheese frosting because it melts perfectly into the warm rolls and balances the sweetness really well.

They also look impressive without needing complicated decorating, which honestly makes them great for gatherings or holidays.

What You Will Need For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

A large mixing bowl works best for making the dough without flour ending up all over the kitchen.

You’ll also need a rolling pin for rolling the dough evenly before adding the filling.

A baking dish helps the cinnamon rolls bake closely together so they stay soft around the edges.

If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it makes kneading easier, but kneading by hand still works completely fine.

Ingredients Needed

For The Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For The Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup softened butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.

Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.

Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Spread softened butter over the dough.

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into rolls.

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the rolls are cooked through.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until creamy.

Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

I usually eat these while they’re still warm because the frosting melts perfectly into the rolls that way. These cinnamon rolls also go really well with Lemon Vanilla Iced Tea, Strawberry Sweet Iced, or even Plum Orange Juice if you’re putting together brunch.

Tips For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Warm milk helps the yeast activate better, but it should not be too hot or it can affect the dough.

Try not to add too much extra flour while kneading or the rolls can turn dense instead of soft.

Using dental floss instead of a knife actually helps cut cleaner cinnamon roll slices.

Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting so the frosting melts without completely sliding off.