Description
There’s something magical about baking on Valentine’s Day. The cozy smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house, paired with the rich, chocolatey aroma of red velvet, is the perfect way to celebrate love – whether it’s with your partner, family, or friends. These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a treat for your taste buds but a heartfelt gesture that says, “I made this for you.”
With their vibrant red hue, soft, pillowy dough, and cream cheese glaze that melts right into the swirls, these cinnamon rolls are show-stoppingly romantic. Whether you’re planning a sweet breakfast surprise or a dessert to top off a lovely dinner, this recipe is a keeper for all seasons – but it truly shines on Valentine’s Day. Let’s dive into what makes these cinnamon rolls so irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- Red food coloring (as needed for a vibrant red)
For the Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, instant yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy – that’s how you know the yeast is activated!
Next, add the softened butter, egg, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed. Slowly add the flour, sugar, and salt, kneading the dough until it’s soft and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare your cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter evenly over the mixture, stirring until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. Set this aside – this is the gooey magic that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible!
Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss (trust me, this trick is life-changing!) to cut the log into 12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed up.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake – you want them soft and tender, not dry.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, whip up the glaze. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed – it should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into all those delicious swirls. Serve immediately and watch them disappear in minutes!
Notes
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the cocoa flavor.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling.