Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Roll and cut the dough: Roll up the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 even rolls.
5. 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.
6. Make the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. 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!

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