Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls
These fluffy, sweet, and festive Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to make your Valentine's Day celebrations memorable, filled with warmth and joy.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use freshly measured flour for best results.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- ½ cup milk, warmed Do not overheat; it should be cozy warm.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted Make sure it's cooled slightly before adding.
- 1 large egg At room temperature.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder For depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring Provides the red velvet color.
- ½ teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness.
Filling
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For warmth.
- ½ cup brown sugar Use packed for better flavor.
Frosting
- ½ cup cream cheese Softened for easy mixing.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is soft and smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Rolling & Filling
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual portions.
Baking
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing some space for them to rise again for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Frosting
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls.
Notes
Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for about a week.