The Best Easy Red Velvet Sweet Rolls Recipe for Beginners

Red Velvet Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, transforming it into a fluffy, sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. With their vibrant color and a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious.

Ideal for special occasions or simply to brighten up your day, these easy-to-follow rolls will impress your family and friends, making them a must-try recipe for beginners!

Perfect Pairing

• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
• Serve as a dessert alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Occasions to Serve

• Valentine’s Day celebrations.
• Birthdays and special events.
• Brunch gatherings with family and friends.

Red Velvet Sweet Rolls Recipe

Red Velvet Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, transforming it into a fluffy, sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Red Velvet Sweet Rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 rolls

Calories: 300kcal

Author: Yum Dinner

Equipment

• Small bowl

Ingredients

For the Sweet Rolls

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Instructions

• Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the milk mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
• Roll and Cut: After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
• Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let them cool slightly.
• Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.
• Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 250mg | Sugar: 20g

Recipe Overview

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus rising time)
• Calories: Approximately 300 per roll

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (not including rising time)

Ingredients List

For the Sweet Rolls

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the milk mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
4. Roll and Cut: After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
5. Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let them cool slightly.
7. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.
8. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
• For fluffier rolls, allow sufficient rising time for the dough.
• Experiment with adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dough Not Rising: Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm enough (about 110°F).
• Rolls Too Dense: Knead the dough thoroughly and allow enough rising time to develop airiness.
• Frosting Too Runny: Add more powdered sugar to thicken or reduce the amount of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different frosting? Yes! You can use buttercream or glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before rolling it out.
3. What if I don’t have red food coloring? You can leave it out, but the rolls will not have the classic red color.
4. Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls without frosting. Reheat before serving.
5. How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Making Red Velvet Sweet Rolls is a delightful way to indulge in a classic flavor while enjoying a fun, sweet treat. These rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With their stunning appearance and delicious taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients and start rolling!