Introduction
Indulge your senses this Valentine’s Day with a batch of Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls! These luscious rolls not only boast a striking red color but are also filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds a delightful twist. Topped with a creamy icing, they make the perfect treat for your loved ones. Each bite is soft, rich, and bursting with flavor, making them the ideal way to start a special day—or any day, really!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk to blend the dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, mix the warmed milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add the cocoa powder and red food coloring, mixing until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and plush.
- Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
- In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
- For the icing, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the milk and remaining vanilla extract to create a smooth icing.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top before serving. Enjoy every delectable bite!
Notes or Tips
For the best texture, ensure your milk is warm but not hot; this helps to activate the yeast without damaging it. If you don’t have red food coloring, you can omit it, but your rolls will lose that signature red hue. For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips in the filling for added richness!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is a crucial step in developing the gluten in your dough, ensuring your cinnamon rolls have that soft, fluffy texture. If you’re new to bread-making, don’t shy away from using a stand mixer with a dough hook for the kneading process—it makes life easier!
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the rising stage and then refrigerate them. Just allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
What can I do with leftover cream cheese icing?
Leftover icing can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Use it to top pancakes, waffles, or even just spread it on toast for a delicious treat!
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress your loved ones with their vibrant color and delightful flavor. Whether you serve them as a festive treat during the holiday season or enjoy them on a cozy weekend morning, they are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!