Introduction
Valentine’s Day deserves a special treat, and what could be more delightful than these Red Velvet Valentine Cinnamon Rolls? Imagine warm, fluffy rolls infused with a hint of cocoa, and a splash of vibrant red color that brings a festive spirit to your table. As you tear into these luscious rolls, the sweet aroma of cinnamon fills the air, and their velvety texture melts in your mouth. Drizzled with a rich, creamy cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are not just a breakfast option but a heartfelt way to show your love this season.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, followed by a generous sprinkling of brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle them with the cream cheese icing and serve warm.
Notes or Tips
For a lovely presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of the icing. If you want to make these rolls in advance, you can prepare the dough and roll them up the night before, then refrigerate them overnight. Just let them rise for an hour before baking in the morning!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Make sure your hands are floured, and don’t rush the rise time; allowing the dough to double in size contributes to the lightness of the final product. Also, be gentle when rolling the dough and slicing the rolls to keep their shape intact.
FAQ
Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can make the kneading process much easier. Just mix and knead on a low setting until the dough is smooth.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough isn’t rising, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the temperature of the milk being too hot. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, and check the yeast packet for its expiration date.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Valentine Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a hit, whether for a romantic breakfast in bed or a festive brunch gathering. With their delightful flavor and charming appearance, they bring sweetness and joy to any occasion. Whip up a batch today, and let the love roll out!