Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, gooey, and utterly romantic Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? Forget the boxed chocolates and predictable roses (okay, maybe not *forget* the roses), these stunning swirls of red velvet goodness are guaranteed to impress your sweetheart. And let’s be honest, making them together is a pretty fun date night in itself!
This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll and elevates it to a whole new level of decadence with the rich, tangy flavor of red velvet. The vibrant red color is just begging to be Instagrammed, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, these are seriously addictive.
Ready to bake some love? Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F) – I use a thermometer like this one to ensure the perfect temperature.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted – My go-to is Kerrygold, but any good quality butter will do.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel is best for vibrant color!) – I recommend Americolor Super Red. It’s super concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting – I like to use King Arthur Flour.
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – Make sure yours is fresh! This one is my favorite.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Philadelphia Cream Cheese is a classic for a reason.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream, to reach desired consistency
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended!) – These heart-shaped sprinkles are adorable.
First things first, let’s get that yeast activated. Warm milk is key here – too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly. That’s why I always use my trusty thermometer…
(Continue adding recipe instructions, broken down into paragraphs, as in the previous response)
Bonus Tip:
These rolls are delicious fresh out of the oven, but they also reheat beautifully. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and enjoy!
Happy baking, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
