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Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

Units Scale

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
  • 12 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.