Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with these luscious Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, pillowy rolls swirled with sweet cinnamon, draped in a velvety cream cheese glaze, and kissed with that signature red velvet flair. These rolls are the perfect way to show someone you love them (or treat yourself—because self-love is just as important, right?). Trust me, these are as indulgent as they sound, and you’re going to want to make them for every special occasion (or any random Tuesday). Let’s roll into it!
Why You’ll Love Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re whipping these up for a romantic breakfast in bed, surprising your family, or indulging in some well-deserved “me time,” these cinnamon rolls bring joy to every occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Showstopper Looks: The vibrant red hue and cream cheese glaze make these rolls a visual treat. Perfect for Instagram or a Pinterest-worthy table spread!
Decadent Flavor: Think rich cocoa notes, warm cinnamon spice, and tangy cream cheese all rolled into one bite of bliss.
Soft and Fluffy: The dough is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth. No dry cinnamon rolls here, my friend.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Hello, stress-free Valentine’s Day.
Crowd-Pleaser: These are a hit with everyone kids, adults, even that one friend who “doesn’t do sweets.” (Spoiler: They’ll love these.)
Ingredients in Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s the magic behind these swoon-worthy rolls:
Flour: The foundation of our rolls. Choose all-purpose flour for a soft, fluffy texture.
Cocoa Powder: Adds that signature red velvet richness.
Red Food Coloring: The key to the bold, festive color. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant results.
Butter: For a tender, buttery dough and luscious cinnamon filling. It’s love in every bite.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
Cinnamon: The star of the filling, adding warmth and spice to each roll.
Cream Cheese: The base of the dreamy glaze. Tangy, creamy, and oh-so-addictive.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and ties everything together beautifully.
Yeast: Gives the rolls their light, airy rise. (Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these red velvet beauties:
Prepare the Dough: Start by activating your yeast in warm milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth dough, and knead until it’s soft and elastic. Let it rise until doubled in size patience is key here!
Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix your softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until you have a spreadable paste. This is where the magic begins.
Roll and Spread: Roll out your dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, and roll it up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or floss (yes, floss!) to slice the log into even rolls.
Let Them Rise Again: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. This ensures they’re light and fluffy.
Bake: Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until they’re golden and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point.
Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whip up your cream cheese glaze. Spread it over the warm rolls, letting it melt into every nook and cranny.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and prepare to be showered with compliments. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 Rolls
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are a treat on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are some ideas:
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Hot Chocolate: Pair with a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate for a match made in dessert heaven.
Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add heart-shaped sprinkles on top of the glaze.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free treat.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar by half.
Freeze Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise. Thaw overnight and bake when ready.
Use Quality Cocoa: For the best red velvet flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel to the rolls.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?
A1: Yes! Beetroot powder or juice can be a great natural alternative.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a touch more liquid if the dough feels dry.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze baked rolls?
A4: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Q5: Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
A5: Of course, but trust me, the glaze takes these rolls to the next level.
Q6: How do I prevent my rolls from drying out?
A6: Cover them with foil while baking if they’re browning too quickly.
Q7: Can I make these vegan?
A7: Yes! Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk for a vegan version.
Q8: How do I get an even red color in the dough?
A8: Mix the food coloring into the wet ingredients before combining with the dry ingredients.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
A9: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Love at first bite is just a bake away. Go ahead and make these Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls your taste buds (and loved ones) will thank you!
Print
Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate love with these stunning Valentine’s Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy rolls with a cocoa-cinnamon filling, topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat to share.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
- Roll and Fill:
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the frosting over the warm red velvet cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for a soft, gooey treat!
Notes
- For a more vibrant red color, adjust the amount of food coloring as desired.
- Rolls can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh in the morning.
- Add heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter for extra Valentine’s flair!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg