Red Velvet Valentines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Love Day

Sweet whispers of romance dance through this delectable red velvet valentines cinnamon rolls that promise to steal hearts.

Crimson swirls and soft, pillowy dough create an irresistible morning treat.

Delicate cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to each tender bite.

Couples and singles will adore this decadent breakfast surprise.

Weekend brunch becomes a celebration of love with these stunning rolls.

Classic comfort meets passionate elegance in every single mouthwatering slice.

Prepare to seduce taste buds and spark joy with this unforgettable recipe.

Why Red Velvet Valentines Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must

  • Quick and Cozy Valentine's Treat
  • Whip up these stunning red velvet cinnamon rolls with just basic baking skills, perfect for home bakers wanting to impress without complex techniques.
  • Designed specifically for Valentine's Day, these rolls transform ordinary breakfast into a heartwarming, love-filled morning experience that feels special and intimate.
  • Soft, pillowy texture and rich cinnamon-cream cheese combination guarantee smiles from everyone- from kids to adults, making it an ideal family breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
  • Total preparation time under 3 hours includes rising and baking, allowing even novice bakers to create a memorable, Instagram-worthy dessert with minimal kitchen stress.

Ingredients That Make These Cinnamon Rolls Stand Out

Main Dough Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender rolls.
  • Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, fluffy texture.
  • Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop soft dough texture.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates signature red velvet color and visual appeal.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural component for the dough.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives classic red velvet chocolate undertone.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Filling and Frosting Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create warm, sweet filling with classic spice flavor.
  • Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and adds richness.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides tangy base for traditional cream cheese frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic bakery flavor to frosting.

How to Bake These Red Velvet Rolls Right

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

Mix warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Remaining sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Red food coloring

Add the bubbly yeast mixture and stir well.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead The Dough

Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use stand mixer with dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: First Rise

Place dough in greased bowl, cover with clean towel. Let rise in warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

Mix in small bowl:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Step 7: Roll And Shape

Punch down risen dough and roll into 12×16 inch rectangle.

Spread filling evenly across dough.

Tightly roll dough from long side into log.

Slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange rolls in greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.

Step 10: Whip Up Frosting

Beat in medium bowl:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 11: Final Touch

Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Serve immediately and savor!

Tips for That Perfect Swirl and Drizzle

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast activate without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture for your rolls.
  • Prevent Dry Dough: Add flour gradually while kneading to control moisture and achieve a smooth, elastic consistency that doesn't stick or crumble.
  • Master Rolling Technique: Roll dough into a tight log with even pressure to create uniform cinnamon rolls that bake consistently and look professional.
  • Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
  • Frost at the Right Temperature: Let rolls cool slightly before frosting so the cream cheese topping doesn't melt, ensuring a beautiful, creamy finish.

Keep Cinnamon Rolls Soft and Delicious

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the rolls completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. This method helps maintain their soft texture and original taste.
  • Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel on top to keep them moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Drinks That Pair With These Rolls

  • Rich red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the deep cocoa notes and sweet cream cheese frosting, creating a romantic flavor explosion.
  • Creamy chai latte balances the cinnamon rolls' sweetness, adding warm spice undertones that dance perfectly with the red velvet profile.
  • Fresh strawberries provide a tart contrast to the rich, sweet rolls, cutting through the decadence while enhancing the Valentine's Day theme with their vibrant red color.
  • Vanilla bean ice cream offers a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, creating a luxurious sensory experience that elevates the dessert.

Try These Red Velvet Variations Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, replace egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Valentine Version: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce brown sugar in filling, and incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder to maintain flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with coconut milk, use dairy-free margarine, and create frosting with coconut cream and powdered sugar alternative.

FAQs on Valentines Cinnamon Rolls

  • What makes red velvet cinnamon rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

The red food coloring and cocoa powder give these rolls a distinctive red color and subtle chocolate flavor, making them more festive and perfect for Valentine’s Day.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and continue with rolling and filling.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?

A stand mixer with a dough hook is helpful but not essential. You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. A 9×13-inch baking dish and basic mixing bowls are the main tools you’ll need.

  • How can I tell if the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and puffy when touched. When you press it gently with a finger, it should slowly spring back but leave a slight indentation.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Red Velvet Valentines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Red Velvet Valentines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Romantic red velvet valentine’s cinnamon rolls bring passion to breakfast with a luxurious twist on classic comfort. Sweet cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa notes create an irresistible morning indulgence you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Dough):

  • 3 cups (375 grams/13.2 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50 grams/1.8 ounces) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 grams/2.1 ounces) unsalted butter

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 12 teaspoons red food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams/4 ounces) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (150 grams/5.3 ounces) brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (120 grams/4.2 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams/1 ounce) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and a portion of sugar in a small container. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy, which indicates the yeast is alive and active.
  2. Create a wet mixture by incorporating melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and vibrant red food coloring in a large mixing bowl. Integrate the activated yeast mixture thoroughly.
  3. Develop the dough base by whisking together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a cohesive and smooth consistency.
  4. Transform the dough through robust kneading on a flour-dusted surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Continue until the texture becomes silky and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Allow the dough to rise by placing it in a greased bowl, covering with a clean cloth, and positioning in a warm environment. Wait until the volume doubles, typically 1-1.5 hours.
  6. Craft the filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until uniformly combined and spreadable.
  7. Reshape the risen dough by rolling it into a rectangular form on a lightly floured surface. Distribute the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the stretched dough.
  8. Form rolls by tightly rolling the dough from the long edge into a compact log. Slice the log into 12 consistent portions.
  9. Prepare for baking by arranging the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them undergo a secondary rise, covering and waiting 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy.
  10. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a light golden hue and are thoroughly cooked.
  11. Construct the creamy frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a subtle salt pinch, beating until light and fluffy.
  12. Complete the dessert by generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the slightly warm rolls, ready to be served and savored.

Notes

  • Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee perfect rising and soft texture.
  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep red velvet flavor that enhances overall taste and color intensity.
  • Prevent dough from drying out by covering with damp cloth during rising process, maintaining optimal moisture for tender rolls.
  • Customize for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free cream cheese for allergy-friendly version without compromising deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star