Go Back

Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in these soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls, wrapped around a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter for filling
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk for frosting
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Method
 

Activate the Yeast
  1. Mix the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
Prepare the Dough
  1. Combine the activated yeast mixture with 1 cup of flour, melted butter, the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading it into a soft dough.
Knead and Rise
  1. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  2. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
Roll and Fill
  1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
Shape the Rolls
  1. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log from one edge.
  2. Pinch the edges to seal and slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
Prepare the Frosting
  1. Mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Frost the Rolls
  1. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.

Notes

To prevent sticking, flour your surface lightly when rolling out the dough. For extra flavor, add nutmeg or use vanilla bean paste. For advance preparation, let the dough rise, roll it up, and refrigerate overnight before baking. Consider garnish options like nuts or festive sprinkles.