Enjoy soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls made vibrant with red velvet cake mix. Each swirl is filled with fragrant cinnamon and sweet brown sugar, then baked to tender perfection. Once out of the oven, rolls are blanketed in a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly balances the sweet warmth within. These treats are simple to prepare yet visually stunning for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave something decadent. Let the dough rise until airy, roll tightly for the signature swirl, and serve warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
Red velvet cake mix cinnamon rolls are a fun twist on a classic breakfast treat. With that signature cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, these rolls are both beautiful and delicious. The best part is how easy they are to pull together using cake mix as a shortcut, meaning you can get soft sweet rolls with less fuss for a special brunch or cozy weekend morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy shortcut with cake mix for vivid color and extra flavor
Soft and pillowy texture with no complicated dough steps
Rich cream cheese icing that melts into warm cinnamon swirls
Showstopping for holidays or Valentine’s Day
I remember making these for my niece’s birthday breakfast. She loved the color and even helped roll the dough. Now it is our go to for any special morning when we want something different.
Ingredients
Box of red velvet cake mix: gives stunning color and classic cocoa notes opt for a trusted brand like Duncan Hines for best texture
All-purpose flour: builds sturdy dough that holds its shape use unbleached for softer rolls
Active dry yeast: ensures a fluffy rise always check freshness by proofing in warm water
Warm water: activates the yeast properly filtered if possible
Canola oil: keeps the dough tender you want a neutral oil
Unsalted sweet cream butter: brings richness to dough and icing use high quality
Light brown sugar: adds caramel sweetness inside the swirl look for soft fresh sugar
Cinnamon: brings warm spice to the filling pick a fragrant cinnamon for depth
Powdered sugar: gives the icing its classic texture always sift for smooth icing
Cream cheese and whole milk: make the icing ultra creamy whole milk gives best consistency
Pure vanilla extract: rounds out all the flavors select real extract for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
Mix red velvet cake mix flour warm water and yeast in a large bowl until just combined. Continue to knead on a floured surface until you have a soft springy dough that bounces back when touched. This process usually takes several minutes and builds dough strength.
First Rise:
Transfer the dough to a large glass bowl greased with canola oil. Brush oil on the surface of the dough and bowl sides to keep everything moist. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for about an hour or until doubled in size. A warm kitchen helps the rise.
Shape and Fill:
Turn the doubled dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about one eighth inch thick. Brush the surface thoroughly with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with light brown sugar and cinnamon. Make sure the filling reaches the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Roll and Second Rise:
Gently roll up the dough into a log starting from the longer side. Slice into even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange rolls in a baking dish with a bit of space between each. Cover again with a towel and let rise another hour until puffed.
Bake:
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees while the rolls are finishing their second rise. Bake for half an hour or until the rolls are set and lightly golden on the edges. The house will smell amazing at this stage.
Make the Icing:
Beat together softened butter cream cheese powdered sugar vanilla and whole milk using a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth without lumps. Adjust milk for desired spreadability.
Finish and Serve:
Spread the creamy icing generously over warm rolls straight from the oven. Allow the icing to melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls. Wait about fifteen minutes so they are easy to handle before serving.
A red velvet cake roll with white frosting.
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A red velvet cake roll with white frosting. | lilicooks.com
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You Must Know
Red velvet dough bakes up extra tender thanks to cake mix
Cream cheese icing complements the cocoa and cinnamon flavors
This recipe is perfect for making the night before and baking in the morning
I have a weakness for that tangy cream cheese icing and could eat it by the spoonful. My family now insists I double the icing every time we make these cinnamon rolls.
