Description
Romantic red velvet cinnamon rolls elevate Valentine’s Day desserts with irresistible charm. Sweet spirals of crimson delight promise a passionate culinary experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gently warm milk and butter until melted, then combine with buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring, mixing until smooth and vibrant red.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth, then place in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll out risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a uniform log.
- Slice the log into 9-12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
- For cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Remove rolls from oven and generously spread frosting while still warm.
- Serve immediately for maximum softness and flavor.
Notes
- Chill dough for enhanced texture and easier handling during rolling and slicing.
- Substitute food coloring with beetroot powder for a natural red hue and added nutrients.
- Create gluten-free version by using a specialized all-purpose gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for binding.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting total sugar by one-third without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg