Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a festive breakfast that brings warmth, color, and irresistible flavor to your Christmas morning, look no further than these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe. Imagine soft, tender rolls swirled with a cinnamon-chocolate filling and kissed with a rich red hue, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. This delightful recipe turns an ordinary morning into a celebration, creating moments filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and cocoa and the joy of sharing something truly special with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—each ingredient is simple, familiar, and plays an essential role in making these rolls both fluffy and flavorful. From the richness of cocoa powder to the vibrant pop of red food coloring, every element works in harmony to create that perfect Christmas treat.

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): The base that gives structure and chewiness to the dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Acts as the magic agent to make your rolls rise beautifully.
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Provides a cozy environment to activate the yeast and adds moisture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly and helps yeast fermentation.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the dough with richness and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and offers a soft texture.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth and that classic hint of chocolate.
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or more as desired): Brings the signature red velvet vibrance.
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk: Brightens flavor and contributes to dough tenderness.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: For the sweet, caramelized filling.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the filling’s chocolate notes.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Gives the filling its warm, spicy kick.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for spreading smooth, luscious filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the irresistible glaze.
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed): Adjusts the glaze to perfect dripping consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness to the glaze.

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

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by warming your milk to about 110°F — warm enough to feel cozy but not hot to the touch. Stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let this mixture sit for five minutes until you see a foamy head. This foaming proves the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully, giving you those soft, cloud-like cinnamon rolls you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. This step is where your rolls start to get that stunning red color and subtle chocolate undertone. The red coloring perfectly complements the cozy cinnamon flavor to make these rolls festive and eye-catching.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, which will be slightly tacky to the touch. If it feels too sticky, gently fold in an extra tablespoon of flour at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic — this kneading process is key to developing the perfect tender crumb.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel in a warm spot. Let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise not only puffs up your dough but also enhances the flavor and makes rolling out easier and more enjoyable.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together your brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create that heavenly cinnamon-chocolate filling. Set your softened butter aside for spreading—this butter will lock in moisture and help the sugars melt into a perfect gooey layer when baked.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is where all the magic of flavors come together—sweet, spicy, and chocolaty meld into every bite.

Step 7: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut it into 12 even slices. This precise slicing creates those classic swirled cinnamon rolls we all love, each beautifully showcasing the stunning red interior and cinnamon filling.

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving each a little space to expand. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until they’re delightfully puffy, preparing them for their golden-baked transformation.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking — the goal here is soft, tender rolls that melt in your mouth, not dry or tough ones.

Step 10: Whip Up the Glaze

While the rolls cool just slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness as you like by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or extra sugar for thicker drizzling. This final touch adds sweet creaminess that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the glaze. Serve these beauties immediately, allowing the glaze to soak in perfectly while the rolls are still velvety warm. Every bite will taste like Christmas morning happiness!

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

Garnishes

To elevate these rolls further, sprinkle a few festive garnishes like crushed peppermint candies or a handful of chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze. For an extra special touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries adds both color and a refreshing balance to the rich rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe with fresh fruit salad, a warm cup of coffee or spiced hot chocolate, and even creamy scrambled eggs for a complete holiday brunch that everyone will rave about. The rolls’ sweetness complements savory sides beautifully, making your breakfast table merry and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the joy! Arrange the rolls on a festive platter lined with pine branches or holly leaves for a holiday vibe. You can also serve each roll in individual mini baking dishes or ramekins to make everyone feel extra special. Wrapping each roll in parchment tied with twine works wonders for gifting as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. For best results, let the rolls cool completely before sealing.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before glazing.

Reheating

To revive the warmth and softness, microwave the rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of fresh glaze if you like, and enjoy them just like fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended to maintain the perfect balance of flavors without added sweetness that could throw off the dough and filling.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

You can substitute buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This gives you a similar tang and tenderness in your dough.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

While the red food coloring gives the rolls that signature festive look, you can omit it for a more traditional chocolate-cinnamon roll. The flavor will still be fantastic!

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out.

How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from becoming dry?

The key is not to overbake them and to keep them covered until serving. Using softened butter in the filling and glazing the rolls while warm also helps keep them moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls | The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat Recipe that goes beyond the ingredients and steps—it’s the joy and love baked into every swirl. I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself sharing warm moments and smiles around your holiday table year after year. These cinnamon rolls aren’t just food; they’re a festive hug you can eat, perfectly suited for making Christmas morning unforgettable.

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