Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your holiday morning, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat are just the thing! With their vibrant red color and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home, they’re sure to bring smiles to your family’s faces. These rolls are not just a festive treat but also perfect for any cozy gathering or a special weekend breakfast.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. Even if you’re short on time during the busy holiday season, this recipe will fit right into your plans. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of sweet rolls and warm flavors?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this an accessible recipe for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out, whether it’s rolling the dough or drizzling the glaze.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh in the morning for an effortless treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich cocoa and warm cinnamon flavors blend perfectly for a satisfying bite.
• Festive Touch: These colorful rolls add a fun and festive flair to your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these beautiful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. You might already have most of these in your pantry!

For the Dough

• 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

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze

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

Variations

Feel free to get creative with these cinnamon rolls! Here are a few fun variations that can elevate your baking experience:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Swap out some butter in the filling for cream cheese to give it a richer taste.
• Frosted Options: Instead of a glaze, top them with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
• Dried Fruit: Sprinkle in some raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make those rolls fluffy!

Step 2: Mix Your Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add in that lovely yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until you have a soft dough that holds together nicely.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

If the dough feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour at a time. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 7–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten which gives structure to our delicious rolls.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. This rising time allows air bubbles to form, making those rolls airy!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough rises, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside that softened butter because we’ll be spreading it over our rolled-out dough soon!

Step 6: Roll It Out

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface. Spread that lovely butter evenly across the dough before sprinkling your sugary filling mixture all over.

Step 7: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut it into 12 equal slices – this keeps them nice and even!

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange those slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with space between each roll. Cover them and let rise again for about 30–40 minutes until they look puffy and inviting.

Step 9: Bake Them Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those beauties for about 20–25 minutes until golden on top. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!

Step 10: Make That Glaze

In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust by adding more milk if you want it thinner or more sugar for thickness; either way works great!

Step 11: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle that gorgeous glaze generously over warm rolls straight from the oven. Serve immediately while they’re still soft – trust me; they won’t last long!

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

Making these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they’re perfectly fluffy and delicious every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration date on your yeast; fresh yeast is crucial for achieving the best rise. Stale ingredients can lead to dense rolls that won’t puff up nicely.
• Temperature Matters: When warming milk, avoid overheating it, as too hot can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F, which creates a perfect environment for the yeast to thrive.
• Knead Well: Don’t rush the kneading process! Kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough after 7–8 minutes of kneading.
• Patience During Rising: Allow enough time for the dough to rise in both stages. Rushing this process can result in heavy rolls instead of light and fluffy ones. Look for the dough to double in size during each rise.
• Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of your glaze! If you prefer it less sweet or want to add flavors like almond or citrus, go ahead and experiment with your favorite extracts.

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

Presenting your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls beautifully can enhance the festive spirit of your breakfast table. Here are some delightful ways to elevate your serving style!

Garnishes

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting on top adds a rich and tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the rolls before serving for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Garnishing with raspberries or strawberries not only adds color but also brings a refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls, making it a perfect accompaniment.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries in small cups for a delightful side that adds texture and creaminess alongside your cinnamon rolls.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Offer warm beverages like freshly brewed coffee or creamy hot chocolate to enhance the cozy atmosphere while enjoying these treats.
• Scrambled Eggs: A savory side of fluffy scrambled eggs rounds out your breakfast spread and provides protein to balance out the sweet indulgence of the rolls.

By incorporating these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable experience that will have everyone eagerly looking forward to your next holiday gathering! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delightful treat for Christmas morning; they also make for excellent meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and enjoy fresh, warm rolls with minimal effort on busy mornings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Before baking, you can freeze the rolls. After cutting them, place the unbaked rolls in the freezer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the second rise instructions before baking.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their soft texture.
• Drizzle with glaze before serving for a fresh and tasty finish.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious rolls!

Can I use a different color besides red food coloring for my cinnamon rolls?

While red food coloring is iconic for Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, you can certainly experiment with other colors. Just remember that it may alter the traditional flavor profile slightly!

What makes these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat so special?

These cinnamon rolls combine the rich flavors of cocoa and cinnamon with the festive touch of red velvet. They create a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday breakfast that everyone will love.

How can I ensure my dough rises properly?

To help your dough rise effectively, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not hot (about 110°F). Also, allow enough time for rising in a warm environment—this yields soft, fluffy rolls.

Can I make these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these rolls ahead of time by either freezing them before baking or refrigerating after they’ve risen. This way, you can enjoy warm cinnamon rolls with minimal fuss on Christmas morning!

What type of milk can I substitute if I don’t have regular milk?

You can substitute almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative. Just ensure it’s warmed to about 110°F before adding your yeast.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They are not only perfect for Christmas morning but also serve as a wonderful way to bring friends and family together around the table. Remember, it’s all about creating those cherished memories while enjoying delicious treats. Happy baking!