These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting! With a hint of that classic red velvet flavor and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness, these rolls are a fun twist on a favorite treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something sweet!
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Why You'll Love this Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with these Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls made with cake mix! They’re super soft, with that signature red velvet flavor mixed right into each cinnamon-swirled bite. And that creamy, rich cream cheese frosting on top? Pure heaven!
Using cake mix makes these rolls quick and easy, so you get a bakery-quality treat without all the fuss. Perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or a fun dessert, these rolls are a deliciously unique twist that’s sure to impress everyone who tries them!
More Red Velvet Recipes
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars
Cake Mix Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Yeast: I used 2 packets of active dry yeast. Make sure to use yeast that is not expired, for best results.
- Warm Water: This will be used to help proof the yeast before adding it to the dough. Warm milk can also be used.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: You will need one box of red velvet cake mix. My favorite brand of cake mix is Betty Crocker, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Flour: The best flour for these cinnamon rolls is all-purpose flour.
- Salt: This is added to help balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
- Vanilla Extract: The vanilla extract is used to add a little bit of sweetness to the rolls.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe. You will want to have the butter softened to room temperature, or use melted butter.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is what helps create a caramel-like flavor in these rolls, as well as give them that nice and gooey texture.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is what makes these rolls cinnamon rolls, so don't skip it!
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is what makes the most amazing and rich cream cheese frosting for these cinnamon rolls. When making this frosting, make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
- Butter: To help make some of the best frosting ever, use unsalted butter.
- Vanilla Extract: The vanilla extract helps to give the cream cheese frosting a great flavor and adds a little bit of sweetness as well.
- Powdered Sugar: This is what helps make the frosting light and fluffy! I don't recommend skipping this ingredient.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
[Step 1] Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and gently stir. Set aside to proof.
[Step 2] Place the cake mix, flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and turn on for 10-15 seconds.
[Step 3] Pour in the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract and mix together. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
[Step 4] Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray and place the red velvet dough in the greased bowl, turning once to coat. Spray a square of plastic wrap, large enough to cover the bowl, and place it over the bowl to cover the dough. Place the bowl in a dry, warm place and let the dough rise until double in size.
[Step 5] When the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and punch down the dough. Place dough onto a lightly floured surface and sprinkle the top with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll dough into a large rectangle.
[Step 6] Use a silicone spatula to gently spread softened butter over the rectangle. Cover the top of the dough evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
[Step 7] Roll the dough up tightly starting with the long side of the dough. To cut the rolls, gently slide a piece of unwaxed dental floss under the roll. Find your desired place to cut (about two inch slices) and pull the two ends of the floss up over the roll and cross them. Pull them tight around the roll and the floss will cut through.
[Step 8] Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
[Step 1] Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 1 minute. Add the softened cream cheese and beat again. Add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing as you add. Mix in the vanilla. Whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes then top the cinnamon rolls.
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
- Stand Mixer (I recommend Bosch or Kitchenaid)
- Cooking Spray
- Plastic Wrap
- Rolling Pin
- Silicone Spatula
- Unwaxed Dental Floss
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Disposable Piping Bags
- Large Star Tip
How to Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
Freezing these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls is a great way to make a batch of these go a long way. Here’s how I do it:
- Prepare the cinnamon roll dough according to the included directions.
- Once you have cut the dough into rolls, place rolls on a baking sheet.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the rolls for one hour.
- Transfer the frozen cinnamon rolls to a freezer-safe ziplock bag.
- To bake, remove the rolls from the freezer and place them on a baking sheet.
- Allow them to thaw/rise for one hour then bake according to the directions.
How to Store Leftover Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
If refrigerating or freezing the rolls, make sure to remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a sealed container before storing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Make Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time? The answer is yes! You can definitely make these red velvet cinnamon rolls ahead of time. I make them a day ahead all the time. To do this, follow all of the directions to make the cinnamon rolls and then store them for a day in an airtight container before serving.
- Can You Freeze Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls? Yes! I love to freeze these red velvet cake mix cinnamon rolls. Simply follow all of the directions up until you place them on the baking sheet.
Then, put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the rolls for an hour. When they have frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag and return them to the freezer. To bake, remove the rolls from the freezer and place them on a baking sheet. Allow them to thaw/rise for an hour before baking according to recipe instructions. - What brand of cake mix is best for cinnamon rolls? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different brands of cake mix can vary in flavor and texture. Some popular options include Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, and Pillsbury. Ultimately, the best brand of cake mix for cinnamon rolls will depend on your personal preferences and what is available in your area. You may want to try out a few different brands to find your favorite. However, many bakers do prefer using store-brand cake mixes for their cinnamon rolls, as these tend to produce more consistent results.
Final Thoughts
Cake mix cinnamon rolls are a delicious and easy way to make your favorite homemade treat in less time. It is one of the easiest cinnamon rolls recipes to make!
Whether you choose to freeze them for later or enjoy them right away, these red velvet rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give them a try today?
More Cake Mix Recipes:
- Spice Cake Mix Pumpkin Cookies
- Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- Cake Mix Pumpkin Cobbler
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
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Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- 4 ½ Teaspoons Yeast or 2 packets
- 2 ½ Cups Warm Water
- 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 5 ½ Cups All-Purpose-Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Butter softened
- 2 Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Butter softened
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and gently stir. Set aside to proof.
- Place the cake mix, flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and turn on for 10-15 seconds.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix.
- Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
- Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
- Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray and place the red velvet dough in the bowl, turning once to coat.
- Spray a square of plastic wrap, large enough to cover the bowl, and place it over the bowl to cover the dough.
- Place the bowl in a dry, warm place and let the dough rise until double in size.
- When the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and punch down the dough.
- Place dough onto a lightly floured surface and sprinkle the top with flour.
- Use a rolling pin to roll dough into a large rectangular shape.
- Use a silicone spatula to gently spread softened butter over the rectangle.
- Cover the top of the dough evenly with the brown sugar.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon over the brown sugar.
- Roll the dough up tightly starting with the long side of the dough.
- To cut the rolls, gently slide a piece of unwaxed dental floss under the roll.
- Find your desired place to cut (about two inch slices) and pull the two ends of the floss up over the roll and cross them. Pull them tight around the roll and the floss will cut through.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 1 minute.
- Add the softened cream cheese and beat with the butter for another 2 minutes.
- Measure 2 cups of powdered sugar and add the the bowl along with the vanilla extract. Cover and mix for 1 minute.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes, until it is light and fluffy.
