Description
Romantic red velvet valentines cinnamon rolls combine classic Southern dessert charm with holiday spirit. Cream cheese frosting and deep crimson pastry create sweet moments perfect for sharing with someone special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps cocoa powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp red food coloring (gel recommended)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm milk and sugar, letting it become frothy and bubbly for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper dough rising.
- Liquid Blend: Combine activated yeast with melted butter, egg, and vibrant red food coloring to create the valentine-themed base for the rolls.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the liquid mixture until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
- Dough Preparation: Knead the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm, undisturbed area until volume doubles, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Filling Creation: Blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Dough Shaping: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling across the surface.
- Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, then slice into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them to become puffy and expanded for 30-45 minutes.
- Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350F (175C), bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until light golden and completely cooked.
- Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
- Final Touch: Generously spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it; too hot or cold temperatures will prevent proper rising.
- Maintain Dough Consistency: Gradually add flour to prevent dry, tough rolls; the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky, allowing easy kneading.
- Control Food Coloring: Use gel-based red food coloring for intense color without thinning the dough; start with less and add incrementally for vibrant valentine hue.
- Perfect Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on, helping consistent and even rising.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg