Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cinnamon rolls turn a classic breakfast favorite into something extraordinary. The red velvet twist adds a festive flair, making them ideal for Valentine’s morning or a romantic dessert. The dough is soft and fluffy, the filling is deeply spiced and sweet, and the cream cheese glaze melts beautifully over the top. It’s a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also feels like a warm hug in food form.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or enough to achieve desired color)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

• Heart sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: I start by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, I mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Then I add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture. Gradually, I incorporate the dry ingredients to form a soft dough. After kneading for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, I place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours).

2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until everything blends into a rich, spreadable filling.

3. Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, I punch it down and roll it out into a 15×9 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. I spread the filling evenly across the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long edge. I cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Covered loosely, I let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Once baked, I let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.

5. Glaze and Decorate: For the glaze, I beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually mixing in powdered sugar and vanilla. I add milk little by little until I reach the perfect drizzling consistency. Then I spread the glaze over the warm rolls and top with heart-shaped sprinkles.

Servings And Timing

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes

These rolls are perfect for a Valentine’s breakfast for a crowd or a dessert for two with leftovers for later.

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: I sometimes add mini chocolate chips to the filling for an extra gooey surprise.

• Pink Glaze: Swapping a bit of the milk in the glaze for strawberry puree makes a naturally pink frosting with fruity flair.

• Nutty Addition: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a crunchy twist inside the filling.

• Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend works well in place of all-purpose flour.

• Mini Rolls: I roll the dough thinner and slice into smaller pieces to make bite-sized treats, perfect for a brunch buffet.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store these cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If freezing, I recommend wrapping them individually and freezing unglazed. I just thaw overnight and glaze before serving.

FAQs

How Do I Know When The Dough Has Risen Enough?

I look for the dough to double in size, which typically takes 1–2 hours in a warm environment. Gently pressing a finger into the dough should leave a soft indentation.

Can I Prepare These Rolls The Night Before?

Yes, I often prep them through the second rise, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, I let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What Type Of Red Food Coloring Works Best?

I use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red hue without adding too much liquid to the dough. But liquid coloring also works—just adjust as needed.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead Of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, I can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. I skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why Are My Cinnamon Rolls Dry?

Dry rolls usually come from overbaking or adding too much flour. I always make sure the dough is soft and slightly tacky, and I watch closely near the end of the bake time.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two classics—red velvet cake and warm cinnamon rolls. I love making them as a delicious gesture of love, whether I’m baking for someone else or just treating myself. With their stunning color, creamy glaze, and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to steal hearts and satisfy cravings.

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