Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Celebrate love and sweetness with these decadent Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls features a soft red velvet dough filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine’s Day breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls combine rich cocoa flavor and a festive red hue to make your celebration extra special.

What Are Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls?

Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a vibrant take on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring a soft red velvet dough enhanced with cocoa powder and a hint of red food coloring. Filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
• Rich and Flavorful: Combines classic red velvet flavors with the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake fresh when needed.
• Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and cocoa powder.
3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
5. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until creamy and well combined.
3. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cinnamon rolls warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Garnish with sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and frost before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to proof the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before mixing it into the dough.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?
The rolls will taste the same without the red hue. You can skip the coloring or use natural alternatives like beet juice.

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for showing your loved ones how much you care. Their vibrant color, rich flavor, and irresistible cream cheese frosting make them a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and add a festive touch to your Valentine’s Day celebrations!

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