Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Nov. 10, 2023
Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas

Ingredients

  • 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)
  • 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • ICING:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk

Directions

  1. Combine cake mix, 1 cup flour and yeast. Add water; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18x10-in. rectangle. Brush with melted butter to within 1/4 in. of edges; sprinkle with sugar mixture.
  3. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut crosswise into 12 slices. Place cut sides up in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until puffed and light brown, 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly.
  5. Beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over warm rolls.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Want 'em even more decadent? Spread a fluffy layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
  • Make these morning beauties your own by swapping in your favorite flavor of cake mix. We particularly love spice cake, devil's food and orange.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 cinnamon roll: 429 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.