Get ready to fall in love with our Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls, the perfect treat to sweeten your Valentine’s Day or any day you crave a festive, delicious indulgence. This recipe transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a visually stunning and incredibly tasty dessert, making it a must-try for home bakers.
Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful rolls:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring (or more to achieve desired deep red color)
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
How to Make Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are surprisingly simple to make, promising a burst of rich flavor and a satisfyingly soft texture in every bite. The vibrant red dough, infused with classic red velvet notes, combined with a luscious cream cheese swirl and frosting, creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With an approximate preparation time of 30 minutes and a baking time of 20-25 minutes, you can whip up this delightful treat with ease.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dough Ingredients
Once the yeast is foamy, add it to the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Incorporate Red Velvet Color
Add the red gel food coloring to the dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and a vibrant red color. Add a touch more flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 15×10 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the longer edges.
Step 8: Roll and Slice
Starting from the longer edge without the border, tightly roll up the dough. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal slices, about 1-1.5 inches thick.
Step 9: Second Rise
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the sliced rolls in the prepared pan, cut-side up, leaving a little space between them. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have just touched each other.
Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The centers should be set, not doughy.
Step 11: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.
Step 12: Frost and Enjoy
Once the Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are slightly cooled (warm, but not hot), spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent, festive flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
You’ll fall head over heels for these Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls from the very first bite. Their show-stopping crimson hue, infused with classic red velvet flavor, makes them an instant centerpiece for any celebration, offering a fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Making these at home not only saves you money compared to bakery prices but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a truly delightful and satisfying treat for both your taste buds and your wallet. The decadent cream cheese frosting, with its perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, elevates these rolls to a new level of deliciousness, making them utterly irresistible.
Imagine the joy of sharing these vibrant, homemade delights with loved ones, their warm aroma filling your kitchen. They’re perfect for a romantic breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a special dessert that screams “I love you” in the most delicious way possible. Forget the store-bought versions; these Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a labor of love that will be cherished and devoured. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to create a little bit of magic in your own kitchen – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To reheat, you have a few options:
- Microwave: Place individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- Oven: For a slightly crisper exterior, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely. You can freeze them either frosted or unfrosted. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of classic comfort and festive flair, perfect for making any occasion sweeter. Give them a try for a truly memorable baking experience that will impress everyone you share them with. Happy baking!
Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to go.1 cup warm milk, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Once the yeast is foamy, add it to the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 4 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add the red gel food coloring to the dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and a vibrant red color. Add a touch more flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined and spreadable.½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 15×10 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the longer edges.
- Starting from the longer edge without the border, tightly roll up the dough. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal slices, about 1-1.5 inches thick.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the sliced rolls in the prepared pan, cut-side up, leaving a little space between them. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have just touched each other.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The centers should be set, not doughy.
- While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Once the Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are slightly cooled (warm, but not hot), spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent, festive flavors!