admin1 Soft, festive, and full of classic red velvet flavor, these Red Velvet Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls are a delightful holiday treat. They combine the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with a rich red color, a hint of cocoa, and a smooth cream cheese-style frosting. Their cheerful appearance makes them perfect for Christmas brunch, cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy baking day with family.
These rolls are easy to prepare with a simple cookie dough, rolled into a spiral, baked until just set, and finished with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring, or as needed
- 1 tablespoon milk, if needed
For the Creamy Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed
For Decorating
- Christmas sprinkles
- Red and green sugar crystals
- White chocolate drizzle, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add the red velvet color
Mix in the red food coloring until the dough reaches a rich red shade. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
4. Make the cookie dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add milk one teaspoon at a time. Avoid adding too much, as the dough should remain firm enough to roll.
5. Chill the dough
Shape the dough into a flat rectangle, wrap it, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough become easier to handle and keeps the rolls from spreading too much during baking.
6. Roll out the dough
Place the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
Try to keep the edges as straight as possible for even spirals.
7. Shape the cookie rolls
Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log.
Wrap the log in parchment paper and chill for another 10–15 minutes if it feels soft. This makes slicing easier and helps the cookies hold their spiral shape.
8. Slice the rolls
Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as sugar cookies can become dry if left in the oven too long.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. Make the frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy, adding a little milk if needed to create a spreadable consistency.
11. Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a small amount of frosting over each roll.
Finish with Christmas sprinkles, red and green sugar crystals, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Rolls
- Use room-temperature butter: Softened butter creams more evenly with sugar.
- Chill before slicing: Firm dough produces cleaner spirals.
- Do not overbake: Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly soft.
- Choose gel food coloring: Gel coloring gives a vibrant red shade without adding too much liquid.
- Keep the roll tight: A snug roll creates a more defined spiral.
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt.
Variations
White Chocolate Red Velvet Rolls
Fold ½ cup mini white chocolate chips into the dough before rolling. The white chocolate pairs beautifully with the mild cocoa flavor.
Peppermint Christmas Rolls
Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
Red and Green Swirl Cookies
Divide the dough in half. Color one portion red and the other green, then stack the rolled dough layers before forming the log for a colorful holiday spiral.
Simple Sugar-Crusted Rolls
Skip the frosting and roll the sliced cookies in red or green sanding sugar before baking for a simpler finish.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days because of the cream cheese frosting.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- Make-ahead dough: Wrap the dough log tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Slice and bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and wrap the dough log, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If it becomes very firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough may have been too warm, or the butter may have been overly soft. Chill the dough before slicing and make sure the baking sheet is cool before adding the cookies.
Can I use natural cocoa powder?
Yes. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder works well and gives the cookies a gentle chocolate flavor. Use only a small amount so the red color remains vibrant.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
No. You can use vanilla buttercream, a simple powdered sugar glaze, or melted white chocolate instead.
How do I keep the spirals neat?
Roll the dough evenly, keep the log snug, and chill it before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts if needed.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per cookie, including frosting. Actual values will vary depending on ingredients and decoration.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 115 mg |
A Festive Christmas Baking Favorite
These Red Velvet Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls bring together the soft texture of sugar cookies, the subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet, and a creamy frosting in one cheerful holiday treat. Their spiral shape and colorful decorations make them look special without requiring complicated decorating skills.
