Easy Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting Recipe

If you have been craving a warm, inviting dessert that bursts with sweet spices and a pop of vibrant color, then you are in for a treat with these Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls swirled with rich cinnamon flavor and topped with a luscious red frosting made of plant-based cream cheese and natural spices. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, each bite feels like a warm hug that you can share with family or friends. Let’s dive into the magic of creating these irresistible cinnamon delights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture: The dough is perfectly tender and airy for melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
• Vibrant red frosting: The bright plant-based cream cheese frosting adds a festive, eye-catching finish.
• Easy ingredient list: Uses simple pantry staples with easy natural substitutions for maximum flavor.
• Customizable spices: Adjust the cinnamon and natural spices to suit your personal taste.
• Perfect for gatherings: These rolls impress at breakfast tables and make cozy dessert treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All ingredients here blend effortlessly to create the tender dough, flavorful cinnamon swirl, and that stunning red frosting. Each component adds to the texture, flavor, or color, ensuring these cinnamon rolls are as delicious as they are beautiful.

• All-purpose flour: The base of our soft and fluffy dough, providing structure and chew.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise for light and airy rolls.
• Plant-based milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness needed in the dough and cinnamon filling.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Optional savory layer for a unique twist to traditional rolls.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills each roll with warm, comforting flavor.
• Butter substitute: Adds richness to the dough and swirl for decadence.
• Natural vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet flavors with subtle aroma.
• Natural gelling agent: Used to thicken the red frosting to perfect consistency.
• Plant-based cream cheese: The creamy base of the luscious red frosting topping.
• Beet juice or natural red food coloring: Gives the frosting its festive red hue.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the cinnamon filling with molasses notes.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds a subtle umami layer to the frosting for balance.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances sweetness.

Variations for Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting

Feel free to make these cinnamon rolls your own by trying different ingredients or flavor twists. This recipe is flexible and simple to modify, so you can cater to your taste preferences or dietary needs easily.

• Nutty delight: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon filling for crunch.
• Fruit-infused: Add dried cranberries or chopped apples inside for a fruity surprise.
• Spice it up: Experiment with adding cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon to deepen spice notes.
• Chocolate swirl: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet twist.
• Frosting alternatives: Swap the red frosting for a simple maple glaze or citrus drizzle for variation.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming plant-based milk to just lukewarm. Stir in active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar, allowing it to bloom until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a hint of salt before slowly mixing in the yeast mixture and melted butter substitute. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a warm bowl, cover, and let rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter substitute with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a touch of smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped if using. This combination infuses rolls with deep flavor and a slight savory touch that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, making sure to cover every corner. Tightly roll up the dough from one long side to another and slice into even rolls about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Place the rolled slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a small space between each to grow. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Red Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together plant-based cream cheese, a small amount of butter substitute, natural vanilla extract, beet juice (or natural red food coloring), apple cider vinegar, a natural gelling agent, and a pinch of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for depth. Whip until smooth and creamy, adjusting thickness with the natural gelling agent as needed.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

After the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, generously spread the vibrant red frosting over each one while still warm so it melts into every crease. Serve immediately and enjoy those heavenly scents and flavors!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting

• Warm environment: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best puffiness.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough cinnamon filling to avoid soggy rolls.
• Sharp knife: Cut the rolls with a sharp serrated knife to keep edges neat.
• Cool before frosting: Let rolls cool slightly to prevent frosting from running off.
• Customize frosting: Adjust sweetness or tartness by playing with beet juice and vinegar amounts.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting

Garnishes

Top with crushed pistachios, edible flower petals, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for an elegant presentation that adds both color and texture without overpowering the rolls’ rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit salad, dairy-free yogurt, or warm spiced tea to offer a balanced meal that complements the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in individual ramekins for a cute one-bite presentation or stack rolls on a tiered cake stand to create a vibrant centerpiece for gatherings and brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds to enjoy fresh-like softness and melted frosting.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook speeds up kneading and ensures the dough develops the perfect elasticity for soft rolls.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking will work, though texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have plant-based cream cheese for the frosting?

Try blending soaked cashews with a little lemon juice and natural vanilla extract to create a creamy, tangy frosting that works beautifully.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Definitely! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight; bring to room temperature before shaping.

How do I get the frosting so vibrant red?

Using fresh beet juice or a high-quality natural red food coloring provides a vivid color without affecting the frosting’s flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Rolls with Red Frosting are such a joyful recipe to make and share. The combination of tender dough, warm cinnamon goodness, and that eye-catching crimson frosting just feels special for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or share them with loved ones, they bring happiness to the table in every bite. Grab your ingredients today and experience the magic of these delightful cinnamon rolls yourself!

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