Description
Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls feature vibrant red velvet dough swirled with spiced cinnamon filling and topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. These soft, fluffy rolls combine classic cinnamon roll comfort with festive red velvet charm, perfect for celebrating love or a cozy treat any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just slightly warm to the touch, then dissolve the yeast with a bit of sugar in the milk and let it become bubbly and active. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly and knead by hand or with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a warm towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This rise is essential to achieve soft and fluffy rolls.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter with cinnamon and sugar until smooth and fragrant. This cinnamon butter will create the delicious swirl inside the rolls.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal.
- Cut and Second Rise: Slice the rolled dough into even rolls about 1.5 to 2 inches thick using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them to expand. Cover loosely and allow them to rise again until puffed, about 45 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Watch carefully to avoid drying out.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the frosting generously on top so it melts into every crevice.
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active to get the perfect rise.
- Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk for better dough consistency.
- Do not skip the second rise to achieve soft and fluffy rolls.
- Cut the rolls evenly for consistent baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Brush the tops lightly with melted butter after baking and before frosting for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, Valentine's Day dessert, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, holiday baking, sweet rolls
