Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
why make this recipe
Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for celebrating love. The rich, velvety red hue combined with a hint of cocoa creates a visually stunning treat. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, making them an ideal breakfast or dessert for Valentine’s Day. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that will impress your loved ones.
how to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla to the milk mixture. Mix well, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Once the rolls are cooled, frost them generously and serve.
how to serve Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, topped with cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for breakfast in bed, an afternoon snack, or as a special dessert for a romantic dinner. You can also garnish them with sprinkles or raspberries for a festive touch.
how to store Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, freeze the rolls before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
tips to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot; it helps activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading the dough well is important for a soft texture, so don’t rush this step.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm area helps it grow and become fluffy.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to suit your taste.
- For a more intense red color, add a bit more food coloring.
variation
If you want to add a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the filling. You can also use different flavored frostings, like vanilla or chocolate, to suit your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for these cinnamon rolls.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
3. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you can omit it, but the rolls will not have the signature red hue. Alternatively, you could try using beet powder for a natural color.
Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla to the milk mixture. Mix well, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Once the rolls are cooled, frost them generously and serve.