Dessert

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect festive treat to brighten your Christmas morning. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor wrapped in a stunning red dough, they’re sure to impress your family and guests.

A close-up view of a baking tray filled with nine red velvet cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows of three. Each roll has multiple layers, starting with a light golden-brown dough base that swirls into a bright red velvet layer, topped with a thick, creamy white icing that follows the spiral shape. The rolls are sprinkled with powdered sugar, adding a fine white dust on top. The tray sits on a white marbled texture, and the image captures the soft, fluffy texture of the rolls and the smooth, glossy finish of the icing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy to activate the yeast.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time. Knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

Step 7: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Step 8: Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through, taking care not to overbake.

Step 10: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 11: Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the glaze and serve immediately while soft and warm.

Tips & Variations

For deeper red color, increase red food coloring gradually while mixing the dough.

Use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer topping.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to add a holiday twist.
Ensure milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a red velvet cinnamon roll with three visible layers swirling inward from the outside to the middle. The bottom layer is a pale beige dough with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. The middle layer is a rich, deep red velvet crumb, moist and dense. The top layer is a creamy white frosting applied in smooth, thick swirls that follow the spiral shape of the roll, contrasting sharply with the red color beneath. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean, elegant look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking the next day. Bring the dough to room temperature before continuing.