Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to show your love and affection. These delightful rolls combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and adorned with festive heart sprinkles, these cinnamon rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ideal for a special breakfast or a sweet treat, they’re sure to make your Valentine’s Day extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for this recipe because it marries the decadent flavors of red velvet cake with the gooey, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls. The vibrant red color makes them a stunning centerpiece for any Valentine’s Day celebration, while the vanilla glaze adds a sweet, creamy finish. The heart sprinkles provide a charming touch that makes these rolls perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a romantic breakfast in bed or a sweet gift, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to ensure a smooth, even rise.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it double in size.
- Roll the dough tightly to create even, well-defined swirls.
- Use dental floss or a sharp, serrated knife to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting too much.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier roll.
- Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha twist.
- Swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese frosting if you prefer a tangier topping.
- Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, with a generous drizzle of vanilla glaze. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra indulgent breakfast, accompany them with a side of fresh berries and a glass of champagne. These rolls also make a festive dessert for Valentine’s Day dinner, beautifully complementing other treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries or red velvet cupcakes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave on a low setting for 20-30 seconds.
- Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain a fresh-baked texture.
- Add a fresh layer of glaze after reheating if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
How can I ensure the red color is vibrant? Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve a more intense red color without altering the dough’s texture.
What is the best way to cut the dough without squishing it? Use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough cleanly. Slide the floss under the dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked? You can also use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 190°F.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Yes, you can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor.
What kind of sprinkles should I use? Generic pink or white sprinkles can get the job done, or you can use the heart-shaped sprinkles we’ve linked to in the recipe below.
Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls
Celebrate love with our Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls, combining the richness of red velvet with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls, all topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. A perfect treat to share with someone special or to indulge in a moment of self-love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or enough to achieve desired color)
For the Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Heart sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft 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 about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until doubled.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with heart sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 467Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 237mgCarbohydrates: 73gFiber: 3gSugar: 39gProtein: 7g
