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This red velvet Valentine's Day cinnamon rolls recipe brings a festive twist to a beloved classic. Soft, tender rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze make it perfect for celebrating any occasion or just treating yourself to something special.
I first baked these rolls for a surprise breakfast with my family and the vibrant red color paired with the cinnamon aroma quickly made it a new favorite. They always bring smiles around the table.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Warm milk: activates the yeast for a light and airy dough
- Active dry yeast: the rising agent that ensures fluffy rolls
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast
- Melted unsalted butter: adds moisture and richness
- Large eggs at room temperature: help with structure and tender crumb
- All-purpose flour: the base of the dough, opt for fresh flour for the best rise
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- Cocoa powder: gives the rolls a subtle chocolate flavor and deepens the red color
- Red food coloring: achieves the signature red velvet hue, use gel or liquid depending on availability
- Brown sugar: for the cinnamon filling, gives a deep molasses sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: essential for that classic warmth in the filling
- Softened unsalted butter: binds the filling and keeps it soft
- Cream cheese softened: for the smooth and tangy glaze
- Powdered sugar: provides sweetness and smooth texture in the glaze
- Vanilla extract: enhances the glaze flavor
- Milk: adjusts glaze consistency according to your preference
How to Make It
- Sponge Preparation:
- Begin by warming the milk until it feels slightly hot but not boiling. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and add a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about five to ten minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast, which is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and eggs. Stir gently to blend everything evenly. Gradually add the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix until a soft dough forms. The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate note while enhancing the red velvet color.
- Knead the Dough:
- Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about ten minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving rolls their soft texture. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about one to two hours.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create the sweet and spicy center of your rolls.
- Roll and Shape:
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into twelve equal pieces.
- Second Rise:
- Place the cinnamon rolls cut side up into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely with a cloth and let them rise again until they look puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes before glazing.
- Make the Glaze:
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate:
- Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. For a festive touch, sprinkle with heart sprinkles or any decoration you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, tender rolls fresh from the oven.
A memorable moment was when my kids decorated these with heart sprinkles on Valentine's morning, and it instantly lifted everyone's spirits.
Flavor Boosters
Store leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped rolls or the whole pan. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave and refresh with glaze for a fresh-baked feel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a cozy breakfast or a dessert after dinner with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These rolls are also wonderful paired with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream when you want a more indulgent treat.
Creative Twists
Add crushed peppermint or orange zest to the filling during winter holidays for a festive kick. In spring, try a light drizzle of raspberry sauce over the glaze for fresh fruitiness. For summer, no bake ice cream rolls inspired by the cinnamon roll flavor make a delicious cold treat.
This recipe combines festive flavor and ease to create a treat perfect for any celebration or a special family breakfast.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I achieve the vibrant red color in the cinnamon rolls?
Use red food coloring added to the dough along with cocoa powder to get a bright red velvet hue without affecting the texture.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- → What is the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese glaze with another topping?
Absolutely, a simple vanilla or powdered sugar glaze works well, but cream cheese adds a rich tang that complements the cinnamon and cocoa flavors.
- → What causes the dough to rise and become fluffy?
Active dry yeast is used to leaven the dough, producing carbon dioxide that makes the rolls light and airy during baking.