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Plush red velvet Valentine's Day cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting

Decadent Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

These Decadent Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are a romantic treat featuring soft, vibrant red rolls swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • stand mixer (optional)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • sharp knife or dental floss

Ingredients
  

Red Velvet Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar distilled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring liquid or gel for vibrant color
  • 3.5-4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Filling

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency

Instructions
 

Prepare the Red Velvet Dough

  • Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, vinegar, vanilla, cocoa, and red food coloring; whisk until combined.
  • Gradually add 3 ½ cups flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.

First Rise

  • Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough in it, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

  • While dough rises, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  • Spread the filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border, then tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam closed.
  • Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space.

Second Rise

  • Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until noticeably puffy.

Bake and Frost

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While baking, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk until desired frosting consistency is reached.
  • Let baked rolls cool for 5-10 minutes, then generously spread with frosting and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients for the dough are at room temperature. Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough rolls. If your kitchen is cool, you can proof the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off). Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red. These rolls are best served warm.