Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls: Sourdough Discard Recipe

I can’t get enough of red velvet and this recipe for sourdough red velvet cinnamon rolls is a game-changer! It’s the perfect treat for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to surprise your family with something special. I hope you give them a try!

Looking to try something new for a special occasion or Christmas morning? These sourdough red velvet cinnamon rolls bring a fun twist to the traditional cinnamon roll recipe.

The tangy flavor of sourdough combined with rich cocoa powder and a sweet cinnamon filling will make these rolls a hit at your breakfast table. Plus, they’re topped with a creamy cream cheese icing that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for anyone craving a unique treat that’s quick to whip up. The red velvet dough is soft, fluffy, and infused with just the right amount of cocoa and cinnamon. The sweet, gooey cinnamon filling brings a burst of flavor, while the cream cheese icing ties everything together with a rich, tangy sweetness.

They’re easy to make, especially with the added benefit of sourdough discard. Not only do you reduce waste, but the sourdough also gives the dough a slight tang and richness that you won’t find in a regular cinnamon roll recipe.

These rolls are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or any special occasion when you want something a little different.

It follows my basic sourdough cinnamon roll recipe with just a few changes. I change out half of the water for buttermilk, lessen the cinnamon, and add in red food coloring and cocoa.

What You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sourdough discard
½ cup water
A half cup of buttermilk
½ cup melted butter
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoons red gel food coloring (to get that vibrant red color)

For the Cinnamon Filling:
One stick softened butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:
1 stick softened butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Sourdough Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Dough

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Dough

Start by mixing the dry ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Mix in the sourdough discard, water, buttermilk, melted butter, honey, cocoa powder, and red gel food coloring until the dough begins to form.  

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes soft and elastic. You only knead it about 5 times. 

Classic Cinnamon Rolls: If you are using my cinnamon roll recipe with active dry yeast, you will need to let the dough rise and place it in a warm place to help speed up the process. Follow the step-by-step instructions for using instant yeast here. 

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling for Delicious Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, using a rolling pin. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Starting at one edge (either of the long sides), carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a piece of floss to slice the dough into equal pieces, about 1 ½ inches wide. This will give you perfectly shaped rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, making sure they’re close together but not overcrowded.

Baking

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until the icing is fluffy and creamy.

Step 7: Ice the Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls have finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. The icing will melt slightly, making each roll even more irresistible.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: You can make them the day before and just heat up each individual roll for about 12 second each when ready to serve. 
• Flour Substitution: If you want to make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It will change the texture and taste. 
• Cinnamon Filling: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and brown sugar in the filling to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these red velvet cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch. They’re also great for gifting or bringing to holiday parties.

The bright red color makes them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or any celebration where you want to impress guests.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Final Thoughts About This Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Recipe 

These sourdough red velvet cinnamon rolls are seriously a treat. The rich red velvet dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy icing will definitely make your family smile. Just they way the look is festive and fun! 

Would you like more cinnamon roll recipes or tips for making the perfect dough? Check out some of my other holiday baking ideas for more delicious inspiration!

Other Cinnamon Rolls Recipes

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Pear Cinnamon Rolls

Yeast Cinnamon Rolls