Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor. The bold red color makes these cinnamon rolls an eye-catching centerpiece, while the familiar comfort of cinnamon sugar swirls adds a nostalgic touch. The luscious cream cheese glaze takes them over the top, and the heart sprinkles add a playful, romantic twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ 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
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese glaze:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Heart sprinkles for decoration
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: Combine the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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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 stir in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
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Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
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Make the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a serrated knife.
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Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
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Make the Glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
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Spread glaze over warm rolls and top with heart sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
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Use dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
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Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
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Add espresso powder to the dough for a mocha twist.
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Swap the glaze for tangy cream cheese frosting.
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Mix chopped pecans or chocolate chips into the filling for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
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Re-glaze after reheating if desired.
FAQs
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
How do I get the red velvet color just right?
Using gel food coloring gives the most vibrant red without altering the dough’s consistency.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls?
Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and reach an internal temperature of about 190°F.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tang that pairs beautifully with red velvet.
Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, cut rolls. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them rise, and then bake as directed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based alternatives for milk, butter, and cream cheese.
Are there any nut-free variations?
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination.
Can I make mini cinnamon rolls with this recipe?
Yes, roll the dough tighter and cut into smaller pieces. Adjust the baking time down by a few minutes.
What’s a good drink pairing for these cinnamon rolls?
They pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a festive mimosa for brunch.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for celebrating love and indulgence. With their rich flavor, striking appearance, and soft texture, they’re sure to be a favorite at any Valentine’s Day gathering. Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself, this recipe offers a sweet and memorable way to enjoy the holiday.
Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on the classic breakfast treat, featuring a soft red velvet dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting — perfect for a romantic breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin frosting if needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, make frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well. Add milk to reach desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- You can make the rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Add heart-shaped sprinkles or pink/red decorations for extra Valentine’s flair.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
