Red Velvet Mini Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and festive spin on the classic cinnamon roll. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, offering the rich flavors of red velvet cake combined with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday breakfast, a special gathering, or simply craving a fun and unique dessert, these mini cinnamon rolls will surely impress everyone with their vibrant color and irresistible taste.

The red velvet flavor adds a luxurious touch to these cinnamon rolls, making them stand out from traditional rolls. With a simple base of refrigerated crescent roll dough, you can easily make these indulgent treats without the need for extensive preparation. The combination of buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling and the smooth, sweet glaze creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Mini Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly easy to make yet deliver a rich, festive flavor that’s perfect for any celebration or just to treat yourself. The use of crescent roll dough eliminates the need for time-consuming dough-making, making this recipe ideal for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious homemade treat. The red velvet cake mix infuses the rolls with a subtle, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon and brown sugar filling.

The addition of the creamy glaze, which can be made with or without food coloring, adds an extra layer of sweetness that elevates these cinnamon rolls to the next level. Whether served warm out of the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, these mini cinnamon rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Refrigerated crescent rolls
Butter, melted
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Red velvet cake mix
Powdered sugar
Milk
Red food coloring (optional)

Variations

Different Cake Mix Flavors: If you’re not a fan of red velvet, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti, to create a new twist on this recipe.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Frosting Options: Instead of the glaze, you can top your mini cinnamon rolls with traditional cream cheese frosting for an even richer, more indulgent treat.
Lower Sugar Option: To reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and adjusting the glaze ingredients accordingly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly to ensure the cinnamon rolls don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into two rectangles. Pinch the seams together to create smooth, flat dough sheets.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and red velvet cake mix. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Starting at the short end of each rectangle, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Once rolled, cut each log into 12 slices.

Step 5: Place in the Muffin Tin

Place the slices in a greased mini muffin tin, arranging them so they are snug but not overcrowded.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the cinnamon rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl. If you’d like a festive red color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the glaze and stir until combined.

Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the mini cinnamon rolls have finished baking and are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top of each roll.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set for a few moments before serving the mini cinnamon rolls. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal the Dough: Be sure to pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the cinnamon-sugar mixture, make sure to spread it evenly and avoid overfilling the rolls, as they could become too sweet or spill out.
Even Slices: To ensure the cinnamon rolls bake evenly, try to cut the rolls into equal-sized slices so they cook at the same rate.
Warm Before Serving: If you have leftovers, gently reheat the rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Mini Cinnamon Rolls make a perfect breakfast or brunch item, but they are also great as a snack or dessert. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, milk, or even a holiday-themed beverage for an extra-special treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert option.

These mini rolls can be enjoyed as-is, or you can elevate them by topping them with additional frosting or fresh berries for a more decorative touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mini cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge or reheat them in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the mini cinnamon rolls by placing them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warming them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular cinnamon roll dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough with regular cinnamon roll dough if you prefer a thicker, fluffier roll.

2. Can I make these rolls without the red food coloring?

Yes, the red food coloring is optional and only serves to enhance the visual appeal of the rolls. You can skip it if you prefer a more traditional look.

3. Can I make these mini cinnamon rolls without a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can arrange the rolls on a regular baking sheet, though they may spread out more. Just be sure to keep enough space between them so they don’t touch while baking.

4. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they turn golden brown on top. You can also check the center of one roll by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.

5. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking them?

Yes, you can assemble the mini cinnamon rolls, place them in the muffin tin, and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. How long will these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed within 2 days of baking, though they will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

7. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch to the cinnamon rolls. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough.

8. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create a different flavor profile for your cinnamon rolls.

9. Can I make the glaze without milk?

Yes, you can make the glaze with water or even orange juice if you prefer a different flavor.

10. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of the glaze?

Yes, store-bought frosting can be a great alternative if you want a thicker, richer topping for your cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Mini Cinnamon Rolls are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make treat that will be a hit at any gathering. With a quick preparation time and simple ingredients, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the flavors of red velvet cake with a warm cinnamon filling. Topped with a sweet glaze, these mini rolls are perfect for serving during holidays, brunches, or whenever you crave a delicious, indulgent snack. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festivity in every bite.