Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

If you have a sweet tooth and love treats that combine classic comfort with a pop of festive color, Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new favorite. These little delights perfectly blend the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the warm, spiced notes of cinnamon rolls, baked into soft, bite-sized swirls that are as charming as they are delicious. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a party, or an afternoon pick-me-up, Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls offer a fun twist on traditional pastries that’s simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly bite-sized: Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are small enough to enjoy without guilt, making portion control a breeze.
• Unique flavor fusion: They combine the classic cinnamon roll spices with the rich, cocoa-infused sweetness of red velvet for an unforgettable taste.
• Vibrant appearance: Their deep red color sprinkled with white cream cheese frosting adds a festive touch to any table.
• Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these rolls fit perfectly into all settings.
• Perfect for sharing: Their mini size makes them easy to serve, impress, and share among friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for these Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls is simple yet essential. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect balance of softness, spice, sweetness, and that signature red hue that make these rolls so special and visually stunning.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, making each roll light and fluffy.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang to complement the sweetness.
• Cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with a subtle chocolate flavor essential for red velvet rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough while aiding in yeast activation.
• Butter: Keeps the dough moist and adds richness to both dough and filling.
• Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the dough’s soft texture.
• Red food coloring: Gives the dough its iconic red velvet color.
• Cinnamon: The heart of the filling bringing warmth and spice.
• Brown sugar: Blends with cinnamon to create a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient for the frosting, offering tanginess and creamy richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring a smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors in the frosting with a cozy aroma.

Variations for Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to swap, add, or omit ingredients depending on your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Vegan twist: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and a vegan cream cheese for frosting.
• Nutty surprise: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Spicy kick: Mix a bit of ground ginger or nutmeg into your cinnamon mixture for extra warmth.
• Chocolate lover’s delight: Add mini chocolate chips inside the rolls before baking for melty pockets of chocolate.
• Less sweet option: Reduce sugar in dough and frosting, or try using a sugar substitute for a lighter treat.

How to Make Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Begin by activating the yeast in warm buttermilk with a pinch of sugar until it blooms. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and the remaining sugar. Add in eggs, melted butter, the yeast mixture, and red food coloring. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for the perfect balance of softness and swirl definition.

Step 3: Adding the Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar. Make sure the filling layer is thick enough to taste but not so overbearing that it leaks during baking.

Step 4: Shaping the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch mini rolls, carefully placing them in a greased muffin tin to keep their round shape during baking.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they look puffed and cooked through. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and moist inside.

Step 6: Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This frosting adds the classic tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced rolls.

Step 7: Finishing Touch

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm to fully appreciate their gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect dough consistency: Keep the dough slightly sticky for a softer texture but avoid too much flour, which can make rolls dense.
• Even filling distribution: Spread filling evenly and avoid overloading to prevent messy baking and ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
• Rest dough properly: Allow enough rising time for light, fluffy rolls—patience makes a big difference!
• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better dough elasticity and easier mixing.
• Don’t skip cream cheese frosting: It’s essential for that classic red velvet experience, elevating the rolls to a new level.

How to Serve Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Top your rolls with extra cream cheese glaze, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful, inviting finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or a chilled glass of milk for the perfect balance. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also complements the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls in decorative muffin liners or on a rustic wooden platter with fresh berries for color contrast. You can even stack them in a pyramid shape for a stunning centerpiece at brunch or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but may dry them out slightly.

Freezing

Wrap the completely cooled rolls individually or in batches tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked taste anytime by thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness and enhance the frosting’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls without red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring, but the rolls will lose their signature vibrant red color. The flavor will still be delicious, focusing more on the cocoa and cinnamon.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing before baking?

You can freeze the shaped rolls before baking by placing the muffin tin in the freezer, then transferring the frozen rolls to a container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use frozen yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, frozen yeast can be used as a substitute but adjust the quantity according to the package instructions, as fresh or frozen yeast may have different strengths.

How long do Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls keep fresh after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these rolls stay fresh and soft for about two days at room temperature and up to five days in the fridge.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives available in most stores to create a delicious vegan and lactose-free frosting.

Final Thoughts

Mini Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are that joyful little treat that can brighten up any day with their perfect combination of soft dough, warm cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and absolutely delightful to eat. So go ahead—bake a batch, share with loved ones, and savor these charming red velvet bites that truly steal hearts with every swirl.

Related Posts

• Peppermint Mocha Parfaits
• Healthy Cookie Dough (High-Protein, No-Bake)
• Easy No-Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe Ideas

Print