1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Red Velvet Rolls

Soft Red Velvet Rolls

Featured in Irresistible Desserts & Treats.

Brighten your mornings with these soft red velvet rolls! Using cake mix simplifies the process while butter and sugar packed swirls give them an irresistible taste. Finished with creamy icing that slightly melts into the rolls, they're ideal for any brunch, holiday morning, or when you crave something special. Though rising takes time, hands-on steps are quick. Perfect for lazy weekends or festive breakfasts.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:26:51 GMT
Soft Red Velvet Rolls Pin it
Soft Red Velvet Rolls | kyliecook.com

These cloud-soft red velvet cinnamon rolls blend two favorite classics into one tempting treat. Every swirl showcases bright red dough wrapped with buttery cinnamon goodness, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Combining red velvet cake with traditional cinnamon rolls makes a breakfast delight that's great for celebrations or weekend treats.

These rolls have turned into our Christmas morning must-have. The first time I took these ruby swirls out of the oven, my kids' faces lit up completely. Now they ask for them whenever we're celebrating something special.

Standout Ingredient Picks

  • Red velvet cake mix (1 box): Makes the base for super tender dough. Go with good brands for the best outcome
  • All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Gives the right structure and gluten. Unbleached works best here
  • Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Makes for a sure rise without extra steps. Keep it in your freezer to last longer
  • Lukewarm water (1½ cups): Should be right at 110°F for the yeast to work properly
  • Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds caramel-like flavor to filling. Look for soft sugar without any hard bits
  • Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Pick fresh, fragrant Ceylon cinnamon for better taste
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): European butter makes them extra rich
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces): Full-fat Philly brand makes the frosting just right
  • Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sift it first to avoid lumps
  • Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Use real vanilla for true flavor
  • Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Cuts the sweetness and brings out other flavors

Making Your Amazing Rolls

Getting The Dough Started:
Mix the cake mix with carefully measured flour in your stand mixer bowl, making sure everything blends evenly.
Waking Up The Yeast:
Put the lukewarm water with instant yeast, keeping it at exactly 110°F for best growth.
Working The Dough:
Mix using the dough hook until you get a soft, stretchy dough that gently comes away from the sides.
First Wait Time:
Put it in an oiled bowl, cover with damp towel, and let it grow twice as big in a warm spot.
Rolling It Out:
Roll your dough on a lightly floured counter into a 16x12 inch rectangle with the same thickness throughout.
Adding The Good Stuff:
Spread melted butter all over, then add cinnamon sugar mix right to the edges.
The Roll-Up:
Start from the long side, rolling firmly while keeping even pressure as you go.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Pin it
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | kyliecook.com

When I was little, my grandma always told me to be patient during rising time. She'd say, 'Dough is just like kids - it needs warmth and time to grow up right.' I think of those words every time I'm in the kitchen making these rolls.

Delightful Serving Ideas

Serve these rolls fresh and warm, when the cream cheese frosting slowly melts into all the nooks. On holiday mornings, I put them on an old family platter, making them the star that brings everyone to the table. Just the smell becomes part of our family's morning routine.

Tasty Twists To Try

  • Sprinkle chopped pecans in the filling for extra crunch
  • Throw in mini chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat
  • Try adding orange zest to the frosting for a fresh citrus kick

Smart Storage Tips

Store rolls without frosting in a sealed container at room temp for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, freeze uncooked rolls in a lined pan, wrapped well in plastic. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Once frosted, keep them in the fridge and eat within 3 days.

After years making these rolls, I've found the magic happens in the small details. Each batch brings together not just tasty flavors but family traditions and sweet memories too. Their bright red color makes them just right for Valentine's Day or Christmas morning gatherings.

Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Pin it
Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | kyliecook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will these rolls stay good?
They stay fresh up to 2 days at room temp or a week in the fridge if sealed tightly.
→ Can I prep these the night before?
Totally! Stop after the second rise, cover, and pop them in the fridge overnight. Let them warm up a bit before baking.
→ What's the easiest way to warm them up?
Microwave a roll for about 15 seconds at a time. Watch out for hot icing!
→ Why use cake mix here?
Cake mix adds flavor, gives the rolls a soft texture, and saves you time in the process.
→ How do I know if the dough has risen properly?
You're good to go when the dough doubles in size. A light poke test will help - if your finger leaves a dent, it's ready!

Red Velvet Rolls

These super soft red velvet rolls are made easy with cake mix. A creamy layer of icing melts into the warm rolls for a delightful morning treat.

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

Category: Sweet Endings

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 ¼ cups warm water
02 2 teaspoons instant yeast
03 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
04 1 box red velvet cake mix

→ Filling

05 ⅓ cup melted butter
06 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
07 1 cup packed brown sugar

→ Cream Cheese Icing

08 ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
09 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
10 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
11 ⅛ teaspoon salt
12 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the yeast, flour, and cake mix in a bowl. Add warm water and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Switch to the dough hook and stir in the rest of the flour until the dough is soft but sticky. Transfer to a greased bowl and turn it to coat the surface. Cover and let rest somewhere warm until it doubles in size, about 90 minutes.

Step 02

Stir together the cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.

Step 03

Butter or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 04

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 16 inches by 12 inches and ¼ inch thick. Spread the melted butter all over, then sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon blend evenly.

Step 05

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Slice 1½-inch pieces and arrange them in the prepared pan. Cover and let them expand for another 30 minutes or until puffed up.

Step 06

Set your oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top.

Step 07

While the rolls are in the oven, whip all the icing ingredients with an electric mixer until they're smooth and creamy.

Step 08

Spread the fluffy icing generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

Notes

  1. Keep cream cheese icing at room temperature for up to 8 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated and eaten within 3 days.
  2. Store the rolls in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
  3. Reheat rolls individually in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer with a dough hook attachment
  • Mixing bowls (preferably glass)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking pan (9x13 inches)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products like butter and cream cheese are included
  • Contains wheat and gluten

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