06/08/2026
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast, 2¼ tsp
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk, about 110°F or 45°C
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package red velvet cake mix, regular size
Filling
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Icing
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 to 2 tbsp milk, optional to thin icing
Instructions
Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 2½ cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Roll out the dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up and cut
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Cut into 12 equal slices.
Second rise
Place the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
Make the icing
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Serve
Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12