These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a festive and indulgent twist on classic cinnamon rolls. With their rich red color, soft texture, and swirls of sweet cinnamon filling, they’re perfect for celebrating love—whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a special breakfast treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are irresistibly decadent!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day – The vibrant red hue makes these rolls extra special.
- Soft and fluffy texture – Made with a tender, homemade red velvet dough.
- Rich cinnamon filling – A classic blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
- Cream cheese frosting – A tangy-sweet topping that melts into warm rolls.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Granulated sugar
- Butter (softened)
- Egg
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Butter (melted)
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (if needed, for consistency)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, softened butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside.
- Extra Red Velvet Flair: Drizzle with white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free milk, butter, and cream cheese.
- Heart-Shaped Rolls: Roll each end of the dough inward to create heart-shaped cinnamon rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven.
- Freezing: Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before frosting.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Ensure your yeast is active by proofing it in warm milk. The liquid should be between 100-110°F (38-43°C).
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.
How do I get a deeper red color?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant red.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk also works well.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You can omit it, but it won’t have the signature red velvet flavor.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
How do I make the rolls extra soft?
Use warm milk and butter in the dough, and avoid overbaking.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but it will make the rolls denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour works best.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean slices.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for any special occasion. With their rich, fluffy dough, warm cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, they’re a show-stopping breakfast or dessert. Serve them fresh, warm, and full of love!
Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These red velvet cinnamon rolls combine the best of both worlds—rich cocoa-infused dough with a sweet cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese glaze. They’re soft, decadent, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Roll out the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Tightly roll from the long side to form a log.
- Cut into 9-12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add milk as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle warm rolls with cream cheese glaze and serve immediately!
Notes
- For a darker red, add an extra teaspoon of food coloring.
- Make-ahead option: Let the rolls rise overnight in the fridge, then bake in the morning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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