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Homemade Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Morning Meal Ideas.

These Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with traditional cinnamon rolls for a stunning breakfast treat. The soft, fluffy dough is infused with cocoa and red food coloring, then filled with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. After baking until golden, the rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. The recipe takes about 3 hours total, including rise time, but the end result is worth every minute. These rolls are perfect for special occasions, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to make breakfast extra special. The addition of heart sprinkles makes them particularly festive for Valentine's Day.
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Updated on Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:39:34 GMT
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Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls | quickierecipe.com

Imagine biting into a perfectly swirled cinnamon roll that combines the rich cocoa notes of red velvet cake with warm cinnamon spice, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. These vibrant red velvet cinnamon rolls not only look stunning but fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting for them to bake pure torture.

After experimenting with different ratios of cocoa and cinnamon, I finally found the perfect balance that makes these rolls unforgettable. My family now requests these for every special breakfast, and the red color makes them especially perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): ensure it's fresh and active for proper rising
  • All-purpose flour (4 cups): unbleached preferred for best texture
  • Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): use natural, unsweetened for true red velvet flavor
  • Red gel food coloring (2 teaspoons): gel works better than liquid for vibrant color
  • Cream cheese (4 ounces): full-fat, room temperature for smoothest glaze
  • Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): dark or light both work well for filling
  • Ground cinnamon (3 tablespoons): use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for best flavor

Creating Your Perfect Red Velvet Rolls

Step 1: Starting Your Dough
Begin by warming your milk to exactly 110°F, test with a thermometer as temperature affects yeast activation. Combine with yeast and a pinch of sugar, watching for foamy bubbles that indicate your yeast is alive and active. Mix your dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the cocoa powder is well distributed for even color.
Step 2: Mastering the Dough
Add your wet ingredients to the activated yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate your dry ingredients. Watch the dough transform as you mix, it should pull away from the bowl sides but still feel slightly tacky. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer.
Step 3: The First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 90 minutes. Test readiness by gently pressing two fingers into the dough; if indentations remain, it's ready.
Step 4: Creating Beautiful Swirls
Roll your dough into a precise rectangle, keeping corners square for even rolls. Spread your filling to every edge except one long side, leave a ½-inch strip bare for sealing. Roll tightly from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal. Use unflavored dental floss for the cleanest cuts.
Step 5: The Final Rise and Bake
Arrange your rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving space for expansion. Let rise until puffy and touching, about 45 minutes. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F, about 25-30 minutes.
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Easy Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls | quickierecipe.com

My grandmother taught me to test dough temperature by pressing my knuckle against it - it should feel just warm, like the inside of your wrist. This small detail makes all the difference in achieving perfect rises.

Understanding Yeast Activity

Your dough's rise depends heavily on temperature and environment. In winter months, create a warm spot by preheating your oven briefly, then turning it off and placing the dough inside with the door closed.

Perfect Filling Distribution

Spreading your filling evenly is key to perfect swirls. I use an offset spatula to ensure every bite has the perfect ratio of cinnamon sugar to dough.

Make-Ahead Magic

These rolls can be prepared through shaping, then refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before the final rise and baking.

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Delicious Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls | quickierecipe.com

After years of making these rolls, I've learned that patience makes perfect. The time invested in proper rising and careful rolling yields rolls that are tender, flavorful, and absolutely beautiful. Every time I serve these, watching people's faces light up at first bite reminds me why homemade treats are worth every minute of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
→ Why isn't my dough rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not hot. Cold temperatures or old yeast can prevent proper rising.
→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before adding the glaze.
→ What if I don't have red food coloring?
You can make them without food coloring - they'll taste the same but won't have the red velvet appearance.
→ How do I store leftover rolls?
Store frosted rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Rolls

Fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with rich cream cheese glaze and festive sprinkles.

Prep Time
180 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
210 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 large cinnamon rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 cup warm milk
02 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
05 2 large eggs, room temperature
06 4 cups all-purpose flour
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
09 2 teaspoons red food coloring (or enough to achieve desired color)

→ Filling

10 1 cup brown sugar, packed
11 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

13 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
16 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
18 Heart sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 05

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 15x9 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 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 06

Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until doubled.

Step 07

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.

Step 08

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.

Step 09

Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with heart sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Roll the dough tightly to get well-defined swirls in the rolls
  2. Use dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them
  3. Let the rolls cool slightly before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting too much
  4. For an extra touch, sprinkle some red velvet cake crumbs on top of the glaze

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~