Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with warm, gooey Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls? These beauties are a perfect combination of soft, pillowy red velvet dough, swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re festive, decadent, and absolutely irresistible!
If you’re looking to surprise your special someone—or just treat yourself—this recipe is for you. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll become a Valentine’s Day tradition in your home! 💕
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Romantic & Festive – The deep red velvet hue makes these cinnamon rolls perfect for Valentine’s Day brunch or dessert.
- Soft & Gooey Texture – The dough is tender, rich, and melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of butter and milk.
- Irresistible Flavor – A hint of cocoa, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting create an unforgettable combination.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning for an effortless yet impressive treat.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large mixing bowls
✔ Stand mixer (optional)
✔ Rolling pin
✔ Sharp knife or dough cutter
✔ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Whisk
✨ How to Make Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises properly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, red food coloring, and yeast mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick) on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Using a sharp knife, cut it into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up.
Step 6: Let Them Rise Again
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost & Serve!
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, decadent bite!
🍓 What to Serve with Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Pair these with:
- A hot latte or mocha for a cozy morning treat.
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- A drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence.
⭐ Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
✔ Use fresh yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam up when activated, it might be expired! Always check the date.
✔ Let the dough rise in a warm spot – Cold kitchens slow down the rising process. A slightly warm oven (turned off) works great!
✔ Make them ahead of time – Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
🏡 Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator – Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Warm them up before frosting.
- Reheating – Microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes! They’ll still taste amazing but won’t have the signature red velvet look.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, just skip the activation step and mix the instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with a simple vanilla glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
💕 Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate way to celebrate love, whether with your partner, friends, or family. They’re soft, sweet, and utterly delicious—truly a heartwarming treat!
If you make these, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below. Happy baking! ❤️
🌟 More Valentine’s Day Treats You’ll Love
🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
🍫 Chocolate Lava Cakes
🎂 Red Velvet Cupcakes
Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approximate):
Calories: 320 | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 5g
💕 Happy Valentine’s Day and happy baking! 🍽️✨