Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate festive treat, combining the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these soft and fluffy rolls make the perfect breakfast or dessert for Valentine’s Day—or any special occasion when you want to impress your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: The vibrant red color makes these rolls a romantic and festive treat.
• Soft and fluffy texture: A tender dough infused with cocoa and buttermilk gives these cinnamon rolls an irresistible taste.
• Decadent cinnamon filling: A gooey brown sugar and cinnamon mixture creates the ultimate comforting bite.
• Cream cheese glaze: A rich, smooth frosting drizzled over warm rolls makes them even more indulgent.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Buttermilk
• Unsalted butter
• Red food coloring
• Egg
• Salt

Cinnamon Filling:

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (softened)

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, red food coloring, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Make the cinnamon filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until well combined.
7. Assemble the rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
8. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal pieces (about 1½ inches thick).
9. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
12. Drizzle the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 rolls
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate lovers’ twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty flavor: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• Extra festive touch: Top with red and white sprinkles for a more decorative Valentine’s look.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Overnight version: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before adding the glaze.
• Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without red food coloring?

Yes! You can omit the food coloring, but they won’t have the signature red velvet look.

What type of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast works best, but you can also use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I use a different glaze instead of cream cheese?

Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or chocolate drizzle would also work well.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed.

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes! Use the dough setting on your bread machine, then proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as directed.

How do I get evenly sized cinnamon rolls?

Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the rolls cleanly and evenly.

Can I add a stronger chocolate flavor?

For a richer taste, use Dutch-process cocoa powder or add melted chocolate to the dough.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

This usually happens if too much flour is added or if the dough doesn’t rise properly. Be sure to knead the dough well and allow enough rising time.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze?

Yes! For a thicker topping, use a standard cream cheese frosting instead of the drizzle-style glaze.

Can I make mini versions of these cinnamon rolls?

Definitely! Simply cut the dough into smaller sections and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, perfect for a romantic breakfast or sweet treat. With their soft red velvet dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, they are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day or just because, these rolls are a must-try!

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