Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your Christmas morning, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat are just the thing! Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm cinnamon rolls, their vibrant red color making them a festive centerpiece on your breakfast table. This recipe has become a cherished family favorite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during cozy holiday gatherings.

Not only are these rolls deliciously unique, but they also bring a touch of magic to any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special holiday brunch, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and allows even beginner bakers to create something beautiful and delicious.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls! The festive red color adds an extra fun twist that kids will adore.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy fresh rolls without any fuss.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of cocoa and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that will leave everyone coming back for more.
• Perfect for sharing: With 12 rolls, there’s plenty to go around for family or friends, making it ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these scrumptious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you won’t need anything too fancy—just simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and fillings to make it your own. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different fillings: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins along with the cinnamon filling for a fruity twist.
• Experiment with glazes: Swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
• Make mini rolls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces before rolling them up to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to about 110°F. Add in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it ensures your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Once mixed, pour in the yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix everything until you have a soft dough forming. If it’s too sticky, don’t worry—just add flour gradually until it feels right!

Step 3: Knead for Perfection

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about seven to eight minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading is important because it develops gluten in the dough which gives your rolls that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. This step is where all the magic happens—your dough will become light and airy!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside your softened butter; you’ll use this to spread on the rolled-out dough later!

Step 6: Roll It Out

Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly across this surface then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar filling mixture.

Step 7: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut this log into twelve equal slices. This technique helps keep each slice pretty without squishing them!

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange those lovely slices in a greased baking dish while leaving space between each roll. Cover them again and let them rise once more for about thirty to forty minutes until they’re puffy—this is where they gain their fluffy goodness!

Step 9: Bake Them Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you wait. Bake those gorgeous rolls for about twenty to twenty-five minutes until they’re golden on top. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—nobody wants dry rolls!

Step 10: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth! Adjust consistency by adding more milk if you prefer thinner glaze or more sugar if you like it thicker.

Step 11: Drizzle & Serve

Once your rolls come out of the oven warm and inviting, drizzle them generously with that sweet glaze! Serve immediately while they’re still soft—trust me; they won’t last long!

Enjoy every bite of these festive Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Making these delightful rolls is a joy, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast helps the dough rise beautifully, ensuring your rolls are light and fluffy.

• Knead well: Make sure to knead the dough for at least 7–8 minutes. This develops the gluten structure, giving your rolls that soft and chewy texture we all love.

• Let the dough rise properly: Don’t rush the rising process! Allowing the dough to double in size creates air pockets, making your cinnamon rolls airy and delicious.

• Experiment with food coloring: The amount of red food coloring can be adjusted based on your preference. Adding more will give you that vibrant red hue that makes these rolls festive and eye-catching!

• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve these cinnamon rolls warm right out of the oven. This enhances their gooey texture and allows the glaze to melt into every bite.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

Presenting your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your holiday breakfast experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cream cheese frosting: A simple drizzle or dollop of cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast that adds flavor and texture.
• Fresh berries: Add a handful of raspberries or strawberries alongside your rolls for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and kiwi provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a nutritious side dish that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs make for a savory addition that complements the sweet cinnamon rolls nicely.
• Crispy bacon alternatives: Consider using coconut bacon or turkey bacon for those who enjoy something crispy alongside their sweet treats without using traditional pork products.

These serving suggestions not only enhance your meal but also create a festive atmosphere perfect for Christmas morning! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delightful treat for Christmas morning; they also shine as an excellent option for meal prep! With a few simple steps, you can save time while ensuring you have a delicious breakfast ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week.
• To prevent drying out, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with the rolls.

Freezing

• Allow the baked rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your packages!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For microwaving, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds. Add more time if needed.

FAQs

You might have some questions about these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Here are some common queries:

Can I make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce as an alternative.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the filling before rolling it up. You could also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange to complement the vanilla glaze!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. You might need to add more liquid since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

What makes Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls special for Christmas morning?

These rolls combine the festive colors of red velvet with warm spices and sweet glaze, making them both visually stunning and delicious—a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls—it’s such a special recipe that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday morning! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers later, they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Happy baking!