Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft cocoa-flavored dough tinted with vibrant red food coloring and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a romantic breakfast or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls combine the classic flavors of cinnamon sugar with a rich red velvet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- Butter (for spreading, quantity about 1/4 cup softened)
- Brown sugar (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Cinnamon (1-2 tbsp, to taste)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F) with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the softened butter, room temperature eggs, red food coloring, and the foamy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add minimal flour to prevent sticking but avoid making the dough dry.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the rolls.
- Prepare Filling: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle shape. Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the surface. Evenly sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them on a greased baking dish or pan, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Frost: Once baked, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls for a perfect melt and flavor fusion.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened butter to help the dough come together smoothly.
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can adjust the cinnamon and brown sugar proportions to taste for a sweeter or spicier filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and lightly warmed before serving.
- If red food coloring is a concern, natural alternatives like beet juice can be used, though this may affect flavor slightly.
