Imagine waking up to the sweet scent of cocoa on a chilly February morning. These red velvet cinnamon rolls are the ultimate way to show your love. They are bright, festive, and perfect for a special holiday breakfast.
You do not need to be a pro baker to make these. This recipe is simple enough for beginners to master quickly. Your family will love the soft dough and the creamy frosting on top. Let’s get baking and make some sweet memories today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls bring a touch of magic to your winter table. They look like they came from a fancy boutique bakery. But you can make them easily in your own warm kitchen. The cocoa-infused dough is incredibly soft and tender.
This recipe is also very budget-friendly using mostly pantry staples. It is a wonderful way to involve the kids in holiday prep. They will love seeing the dough turn a vibrant red color. It is truly a winner for any festive morning.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making yeast bread can feel a little bit intimidating at first. Do not worry because I will guide you through it. You simply mix the dough and let it rest. The warm milk and yeast do all the hard work.
Rolling the dough is the most fun part of the process. You get to spread plenty of butter and cinnamon sugar inside. Even if you are a beginner, you can succeed with this recipe. Your home will smell absolutely amazing while these bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen right now. Fresh ingredients make these red velvet cinnamon rolls taste the very best.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring gel
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Whisk in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 90 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread 1/2 cup softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Place rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- While baking, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Remove rolls from the oven and spread the cream cheese frosting over them while warm.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these rolls while they are still warm and gooey. The frosting should melt slightly into the swirls of dough. They look beautiful on a bright white platter for brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk.
For a full Valentine’s spread, add some fresh strawberries on the side. Set the table with red napkins to make it feel special. These are the perfect treat for your favorite people. Enjoy the sweet moments together at the table.
Storage & Reheating
You can store any leftover rolls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for three days. To enjoy them again, microwave for 20 seconds to soften. This makes the frosting melty and delicious once more.
You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for a later date. Just let them thaw in the fridge before the final rise. This is a great make-ahead tip for busy holiday mornings. Fresh rolls with half the work is a win!
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Use a thermometer to ensure your milk is exactly 110°F.
- Don’t skip the second rise for the fluffiest texture possible.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolls without squishing the dough.
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft for smooth frosting.
- Add a few pink heart sprinkles on top for Valentine’s Day.
- Avoid adding too much extra flour while you are kneading.
- Check your yeast expiration date before you start the recipe.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence.
- Swap the vanilla for almond extract in the cream cheese glaze.
- Use a dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- In the fall, swap the red color for a dash of pumpkin spice.
- Top with crushed pecans for a bit of salty crunch.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can let the rolls rise in the fridge overnight. Just take them out 30 minutes before baking to take off the chill. This is perfect for a stress-free holiday morning.
What if I don’t have food coloring gel?
You can use liquid coloring, but gel gives a much deeper red. Gel also doesn’t thin out your dough as much as liquid. Use gel for the most vibrant red velvet look.
How do I know when the rolls are done?
The rolls will look puffed and feel slightly firm to the touch. The edges should be just starting to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the soft dough.
I hope these red velvet cinnamon rolls bring so much joy to your home. There is nothing like a warm, handmade treat to show your family you care. Happy Valentine’s Day and happy baking!
— Lidia
Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all -purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon sal t
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring gel
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Whisk in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread 1/2 cup softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge and cut into 12 equal slices using a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, cover, and allow to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- While baking, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove rolls from the oven and spread the cream cheese frosting over them while still warm.
