Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are a festive and delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With their rich red color and warm cinnamon flavor, they make the perfect treat for Christmas morning or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired for color)
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add in the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: If the dough feels sticky, gradually add extra flour, one tablespoon at a time. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 7–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a warm location to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
6. Step 6: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
8. Step 8: Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
10. Step 10: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker glaze.
11. Step 11: Drizzle the warm cinnamon rolls generously with the glaze. Serve immediately while warm and soft for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper red color, add more red food coloring gradually until you reach the desired shade.
• Use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• Try adding a handful of mini white chocolate chips in the filling for an extra festive touch.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Glaze can be added fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and continuing the recipe.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Without red food coloring, you’ll still have delicious chocolate cinnamon rolls, but they won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with a vibrant red velvet twist, making them a perfect festive treat for Christmas morning. Soft, fluffy, and layered with a cinnamon-sugar cocoa filling, they are topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired for color)
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk

Filling Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F and stir in the yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, confirming the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Combine until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add extra flour if the dough is sticky, one tablespoon at a time. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 7–8 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and put it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
6. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
7. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Second Rise: Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with slight spacing. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, taking care not to overbake to keep them soft.
10. Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
11. Serve: Drizzle the warm rolls generously with glaze and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the milk temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour slowly to prevent making it too dry.
• Use unflavored dental floss for cleanly slicing the rolls without squishing them.
• Allow second rise to be complete for soft and fluffy rolls; rising time may vary slightly based on room temperature.
• The glaze can be adjusted for thickness depending on preference by altering milk or powdered sugar amounts.
• Red food coloring amount can be increased for a more vivid red hue if desired.
• Serve rolls warm for the best experience, leftovers can be reheated gently to soften.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, Christmas morning recipe, holiday breakfast, red velvet dessert