There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls — the sweet, comforting aroma, the soft, pillowy dough, and of course, the rich icing that glazes every bite. But what if you could take that classic treat and give it a festive twist? These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls do just that! With the deep, rich color of red velvet and the classic flavor combination of cinnamon and cream cheese, they’re sure to wow everyone at the table. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are a Total Game-Changer

The red velvet cake mix makes this cinnamon roll recipe extra simple, while also giving the rolls their signature color and a touch of richness. Paired with the sweet, gooey cinnamon filling and topped with cream cheese glaze, these rolls are the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia. Every bite is soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced.

A Classic Dessert with a Fun Twist

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved comfort food, and red velvet is a treat that’s instantly recognizable for its vibrant color and unique flavor. By combining these two favorites, we’ve created a dessert that’s both eye-catching and delicious. This twist on the traditional cinnamon roll brings something fun and festive to the table without sacrificing the warm, familiar taste everyone loves.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s talk about why this recipe is destined to become your new favorite.

Versatile: These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Using red velvet cake mix keeps this recipe affordable without skimping on flavor.

Quick and Easy: With cake mix as the base, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.

Customizable: Add extra fillings or change the glaze flavor to suit your tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing: The red velvet color and cream cheese glaze make these rolls irresistible to everyone.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and filling ahead of time, making them even easier to bake fresh when you need them.

Great for Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for a quick treat the next day.

Pro Tips for Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Here are a few tips to ensure you get the best texture and flavor with these cinnamon rolls.

Don’t overwork the dough — you want to keep it light and soft.
Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.
If the glaze is too thick, add a little milk to loosen it up.
Slice the rolls carefully to avoid squishing the dough.

Essential Kitchen Tools You Will Need

This recipe requires just a few basic tools to help you bake the perfect cinnamon rolls.

Mixing Bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.

Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for these rolls.

Spatula: For spreading the cinnamon filling and glazing the rolls.

Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: To cut the rolls evenly without squishing them.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Recipe

These simple ingredients combine to create the most delicious, soft, and gooey cinnamon rolls with a sweet, tangy glaze.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: 1 box (around 15.25 oz), gives the dough its color and a hint of cocoa flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons), helps the dough rise and gives it a soft, fluffy texture.
Warm Water: 1 cup, helps activate the yeast and forms the dough.
Butter: 1/2 cup (melted), makes the dough rich and soft.
Eggs: 2 large, adds structure and moisture to the dough.
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon filling.
Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons, the key spice for the filling.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the tangy glaze.
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, for the sweet glaze.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adds depth to the glaze.
Milk: 2 tablespoons, for thinning out the glaze to the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try

Here are a few swaps that can work just as well.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: You can use chocolate cake mix for a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor, though the color will change.

Cream Cheese: Substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor.

Butter: You can use vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

Key Ingredients Worth Highlighting

Red Velvet Cake Mix: This shortcut ingredient not only makes the dough soft but gives it that signature red color and mild chocolatey flavor.

Cream Cheese: The glaze is the finishing touch, providing the perfect tang to balance out the sweetness of the rolls.

Let’s Start Baking

Now let’s get those cinnamon rolls into the oven, step by step.

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, yeast, warm water, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle.
Assemble the Dish: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then spread evenly over the dough. Roll the dough up tightly and slice it into 12 pieces.
Cook to Perfection: Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish and let them rise for 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the glaze over the hot rolls and serve warm.

How Texture and Flavor Develop

The dough is soft and fluffy, with the cinnamon filling providing sweetness and a slight spice. The red velvet color makes each roll visually striking, and the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy contrast to balance the richness of the cinnamon filling.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

A few extra tips to perfect these rolls:

Make sure your water is warm, but not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, feel free to add more cinnamon to the filling.
Let the rolls cool for a minute or two before adding the glaze to keep it from melting too quickly.

What to Avoid When Making Cinnamon Rolls

A few common mistakes to avoid:

Not allowing the dough to rise enough — this will result in denser rolls.
Overbaking the rolls — keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Skipping the glaze — it’s what makes the cinnamon rolls truly indulgent!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 300

Note: These values are estimates and can vary.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. After baking, leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. They also make an excellent treat for brunch or dessert!

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftover rolls can be crumbled into a parfait with yogurt and fresh fruit, or used as a topping for ice cream.

Additional Tips for Best Results

Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor. The glaze will set slightly as they cool, making them even more delicious.

Make It a Showstopper

For an extra wow factor, garnish the rolls with a few sprigs of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for a festive look.

Variations to Try

Add chopped nuts like pecans for a crunchy twist.
Use a mix of spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, in the filling for a unique flavor.
Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top for a more indulgent treat.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with chocolate or vanilla cake mix, but it will change the flavor and color.

2. How can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with dairy-free options and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze.

3. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze them before baking and bake directly from frozen when ready.

4. How can I make the rolls fluffier?

Ensure the dough has enough time to rise and make sure the water temperature is just right for the yeast.

5. Can I add more filling?

Yes, you can increase the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste.

6. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

7. How do I reheat cinnamon rolls?

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

8. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can store the glaze in the fridge and drizzle it over the rolls just before serving.

9. How many cinnamon rolls does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls.

10. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight for easier prep.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive twist on a classic favorite. The rich red velvet color, gooey cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese glaze make them perfect for any occasion. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite!