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Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and fluffy red velvet cinnamon rolls topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrating love and making memories.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour light and airy to allow for fluffy rolls
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar to sweeten the mix
  • 1 packet active dry yeast the tiny magic that makes your rolls rise
  • 1/2 cup warm milk combined to create a soft texture
  • 1/4 cup melted butter adding richness and flavor
  • 1 large egg binder that creates a tender dough
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract infusing a sweet aroma
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring the star of the show for that iconic hue
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar enriching the sweet interior
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for that classic, comforting spice
  • 1/4 cup softened butter to smear generously within the dough
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/4 cup softened cream cheese creamy goodness to top the rolls
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar sweetening up the frosting
  • 1 tbsp milk to achieve the perfect drizzle consistency
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract rounding off the flavors

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
  2. Once activated, add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Filling and Shaping
  1. While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
  3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  4. Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to form a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until they are lightly golden.
  2. While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
  3. Once out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and let it melt into the fluffy layers.

Notes

Optional: Add a hint of cocoa powder to the dough for deeper flavor. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge to enhance flavors. For healthier variations, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.