Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show love and appreciation, and what better way to do that than by treating your loved ones to a batch of Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls? These soft, fluffy, and decadent rolls are not only visually stunning with their vibrant red color but also packed with rich flavors that will make any breakfast or brunch extra special. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or family, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to create these delightful treats step by step, from preparing the dough to adding that irresistible cream cheese frosting. Let’s make your Valentine’s Day even sweeter!

5.0 from 2 votes

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Why Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls?

You may be wondering why red velvet? Well, red velvet cake is a classic treat for Valentine’s Day, loved for its rich flavor and bold color. By turning it into cinnamon rolls, we take the best of both worlds: the softness of a cinnamon roll combined with the unique taste and festive appearance of red velvet.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a romantic breakfast in bed or a special Valentine’s Day brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious rolls.

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel is recommended for a rich color)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cocoa powder

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.

Next, add in the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts coming together. Once the dough forms, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Now, the star of the show—red food coloring. Add 2 tablespoons of food coloring to the dough and knead it in until you have a deep red color throughout. This is what gives the rolls their signature red velvet look!

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This will allow the dough to become light and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.

This will create a sweet and spiced filling that will melt into the dough for that signature gooey goodness.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any trapped air. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Make sure the dough is even in thickness for consistent rolls.

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling across the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges. Be generous with the filling—it’s the best part!

Step 4: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Now that your dough is covered in cinnamon goodness, it’s time to roll it up! Start at the longer edge of the rectangle and carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, slice the dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not touching too tightly. Place a towel over the dish and allow the rolls to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. This second rise will help the rolls become even fluffier.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up.

Keep an eye on the rolls toward the end to prevent them from over-baking. You want them to be soft and fluffy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, let’s prepare the creamy frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor.

Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the frosting generously on top while they’re still warm. The cream cheese frosting will melt slightly, creating a luscious, sweet coating.

Tips for Making the Perfect Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Make Ahead: If you’re planning to serve these rolls in the morning, you can prepare them the night before. After you roll the dough into cinnamon rolls, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The second rise is essential for getting those soft, fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step, as it allows the dough to expand and become tender.

Customize the Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or heavy cream.

Serving and Storing Your Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, right after frosting. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh orange juice for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.

If there are any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQ Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Whether you’re sharing them with your family, friends, or that special someone, Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls Or Red Velvet CheeseCake will undoubtedly bring a touch of romance and sweetness to your celebration. With their rich, velvety texture and delightful cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to make your Valentine’s Day even more memorable.

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe by By Liliane

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: Breakfast

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

350-400

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon gel red food coloring

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 -2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
• Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.
• Cover the baking dish with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed and touching.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon goodness!

Notes

• For extra flavor, try adding a dash of vanilla extract to the frosting. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!

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