These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for any special occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon filling, these rolls are made even more indulgent with the addition of a vibrant red velvet twist. Topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting, they’re an irresistible combination of flavors and colors that make them ideal for sharing with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of classic cinnamon rolls and red velvet makes for a unique and delightful treat.
- Soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, these rolls are perfect for any special breakfast or dessert.
- The cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement, adding a rich and creamy finish.
- The vibrant red color makes them festive and visually stunning, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time, making them a great option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Red food coloring
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and flour. Slowly add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Roll and cut the dough: Roll up the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 even rolls.
- Bake the rolls: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top while they are still warm, allowing the frosting to melt into the rolls.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Rise time: 2-3 hours
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the frosted cinnamon rolls.
- Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for a nutty crunch.
- Strawberry cream cheese frosting: Add a touch of strawberry flavor to the frosting by mixing in some strawberry puree.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese, as well as a non-dairy milk alternative, to make these cinnamon rolls vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping or the baked rolls without frosting. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
FAQs
How can I make the dough rise faster?
You can speed up the rise time by placing the dough in a warm oven (around 100°F) or on top of the stove while the oven is preheating.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Absolutely! You can use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
What type of red food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring works best for vibrant red color, but you can use liquid food coloring as well—just add more if needed.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with another topping?
Yes, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze or buttercream frosting as a substitute for the cream cheese frosting.
How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
They will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls without the frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before frosting.
What’s the best way to cut the dough without squishing it?
Use dental floss or a serrated knife to cleanly slice through the rolled dough without squashing it.
Can I make these without the red velvet flavor?
Sure! You can skip the cocoa powder and food coloring if you prefer classic cinnamon rolls.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or use a simple butter and powdered sugar glaze.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. The soft and fluffy rolls, combined with the classic cinnamon filling and tangy cream cheese frosting, create an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress!
PrintRed Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect festive treat! Soft, fluffy, and beautifully colored, they’re packed with cinnamon flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The red velvet twist adds a subtle cocoa flavor, making them perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in something delicious!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut into 12 even slices.
-
Bake the Rolls:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Make the Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin the frosting to your desired consistency.
-
Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more intense red color, you can add more food coloring.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time. After assembling, store them in the fridge overnight and bake the next day.
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