Description
These soft, fluffy Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are swirled with rich cocoa, warm cinnamon, and topped with creamy vanilla icing. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat—your kitchen will smell like pure heaven!
Ingredients
For the Dough
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3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more for deeper color)
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1 tablespoon buttermilk
For the Filling
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Warm the milk to 110°F and mix with yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let rest 5 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and food coloring.
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Add yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead 7–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
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For the filling, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon.
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Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle filling evenly.
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Roll tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 rolls.
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and rise 30–40 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 20–25 minutes, until set but still soft.
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
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Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Use bread flour for chewier, bakery-style rolls.
No buttermilk? Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar with 1 cup milk.
To make ahead: Refrigerate after shaping the rolls. Bake in the morning after the second rise.
Don’t overbake—this keeps the rolls pillowy soft.
Dairy-free? Substitute plant-based milk and butter.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (Yeast activation + dough prep + rising)
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg