Ever tried cinnamon rolls that ooze with charm and a hint of decadent cocoa?
Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll that’s a beautiful shade of red, swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that’s perfect for celebrating love (or just treating yourself because…why not?). This quick and easy homemade recipe will make your kitchen smell heavenly, and they’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why make this recipe
Who wouldn’t love a treat that’s easy to whip up and practically screams “I love you”? Here are a couple of reasons you should get rolling:
- Family-Friendly Fun: Everyone can help out, from rolling to frosting. Even the kids can join in, making memories (and a bit of a mess!).
- Minimal Cleanup: One bowl for the dough, one dish for baking, and a simple mix for the frosting. Less time cleaning means more time indulging.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in the greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- For the frosting, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth, then spread over warm rolls before serving.
How to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls (Overview)
Making these rolls is a breeze! Start by mixing your dry ingredients, and then bring in the wet ones for a chocolatey dough that’s nearly drool-worthy. Roll it out, smother it with cinnamon goodness, and get those lovely rolls nestled in a baking dish. Let them rise for a bit (patience is a virtue!), and then into the oven they go. Pro tip: Don’t skip letting them rise — it adds that fluffy texture we all crave!
How to serve Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these beauties fresh from the oven, drizzled with your homemade cream cheese frosting. You can pile them onto a lovely plate for a stunning presentation. The vibrant red against the creamy white frosting looks as good as it tastes. Picture this: warm, gooey, cinnamon-laced goodness that practically melts in your mouth with every bite. Who needs a box of chocolates? 😊
How to store Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
You can keep these delicious rolls in an airtight container for about 3–4 days in the fridge. Or, if you want to save them for later, pop them in the freezer – they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked warmth. Making them ahead? Just prepare the dough, roll it up, and refrigerate it overnight before rising and baking.
Tips to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother mix and better rise.
- If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, but try not to overdo it!
- Feeling extra? Toss in some chocolate chips with the cinnamon filling for more chocolatey goodness.
- Switch out the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze if you want a lighter touch.
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try adding some chocolate chips in the filling for extra decadence. Or, if you prefer a healthier twist, swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also try a vegan version by using a flaxseed egg and almond milk, plus vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! Just add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes. Boom—fluffy magic!How can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Just let it rise before baking in the morning.Can I freeze these after baking?
Yes! Freeze them after they’re completely cooled. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat when you want to enjoy.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in the greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Frosting
- For the frosting, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth, then spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
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