Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little magic to your holiday mornings, these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe will absolutely steal the show. Imagine tender, buttery rolls tinted a festive red and swirled with a luscious cinnamon-chocolate filling, then topped with a smooth, creamy glaze that melts in your mouth. This recipe is a celebration of warmth, flavor, and holiday cheer all rolled into one—making it an unforgettable centerpiece for your Christmas breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe plays a starring role. From the warmth of cinnamon to the vibrant color of red food coloring, these simple but essential components come together to create a perfect blend of cozy and festive flavors.

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): Gives structure to your dough and ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: The magic behind your dough’s rise and airy texture.
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances flavors and feeds the yeast for proper rising.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and helps with a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds a slight richness to the dough.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides subtle chocolate notes that deepen the red velvet taste.
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired for color): The signature red hue that makes these rolls festive and fun.
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness to the dough.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the filling with a rich molasses flavor.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds crunch and sweetness to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the cinnamon filling with chocolate hints.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy heart of your filling.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading): Makes the filling melt-in-your-mouth luscious.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Turns into a silky glaze for the finishing touch.
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed): Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds sweet aroma and depth to the glaze.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—just warm enough to wake up the yeast without killing it. Add the yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes. When it becomes foamy, you know your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise into fluffy, light rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring so the color gets distributed evenly. Then add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Stir everything together gently to form a soft dough that’s full of promise.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

If the dough feels too sticky, dust your workspace with a little flour and add it a tablespoon at a time until manageable. Knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic—that’s the texture that guarantees a tender bite once baked.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This patient wait will reward you with light, airy rolls that practically melt on your tongue.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Set the softened butter aside—this will become the luscious layer you spread over the dough soon.

Step 6: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a neat 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, covering every inch for a perfectly swirling filling.

Step 7: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Try to keep it even so your rolls bake uniformly. With a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices, each promising a perfect swirl of cinnamon and red velvet yumminess.

Step 8: Second Rise Before Baking

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving little space for spreading. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffed and ready to bake—this extra rise is crucial for soft, cloud-like rolls.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for that gorgeous golden top—avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender for the ultimate Christmas morning indulgence.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

While your rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or sugar according to your glaze dreams—a drizzle here, a spread there, it’s your call!

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are warm from the oven, generously drizzle the sweet glaze all over. Serve immediately to enjoy soft, gooey cinnamon swirls paired with that dreamy red velvet charm—a holiday morning treat that’s simply unbeatable.

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

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few festive red sprinkles can add an extra hint of holiday joy. For a decadent touch, a few toasted pecans or a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting complements these rolls beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a cup of rich hot chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, or a warm spiced cider to complete your cozy Christmas morning. Fresh seasonal fruit like sliced oranges or berries balances the sweet richness of the rolls perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or cinnamon sticks for a rustic touch. You could also place each roll in a cute holiday-themed muffin liner for easy individual servings that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. For best texture, gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a second rise before baking.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked softness, warm your rolls briefly in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven for 10 minutes. Add an extra drizzle of glaze after reheating for maximum indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough instead of making red velvet dough?

While you can, using the red velvet dough in this recipe is what gives these cinnamon rolls their unique decorative color and subtle cocoa flavor that truly sets this Christmas morning treat apart.

Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?

The red food coloring creates that signature vibrant red hue that makes these rolls so festive, but if you prefer to skip it, the cocoa powder will still give a lovely chocolatey flavor and color.

Can these rolls be made gluten-free?

You could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that yeast doughs can respond differently, so texture may vary and might require some experimentation.

How far in advance can I make these rolls?

These rolls are perfect to prepare the day before by completing the first rise and assembling them, then refrigerating overnight. Take them out to rise a bit before baking fresh the next morning.

What is the best way to get a shiny glaze finish?

For a glossy finish, apply the glaze while the rolls are still warm. The warmth helps the glaze soak in just right, giving that irresistible sheen without becoming too runny.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of warm, irresistible Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe out of the oven to make your holiday morning shine. With their rich color, cozy cinnamon swirls, and sweet glaze, these rolls bring smiles and a little festive magic to everyone at the table. Don’t wait—roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday spirit, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this special recipe that will quickly become a treasured tradition.

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