Red Velvet Valentines Day Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to impress someone special this Valentine’s Day, consider making Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. These delicious rolls blend the classic flavor of red velvet cake with the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls. With a simple cake mix as the base, you can create a visually stunning and tasty treat. Let’s explore how to make these delightful cinnamon rolls that will surely brighten your celebration and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe, you’ll discover a delightful twist on two beloved treats. The unique flavor combination of rich cocoa and sweet cream cheese frosting makes these rolls a standout. Using a box of red velvet cake mix simplifies the preparation, allowing you to focus on the fun part—rolling and icing. If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free. Plus, it’s a great family activity; kids can help sprinkle cinnamon and sugar, creating lasting memories. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, offering a delicious and eye-catching treat that’s sure to impress your loved ones. The recipe yields 12 rolls, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

History

Red velvet cinnamon rolls have an interesting history that traces back to the origins of red velvet cake during the Great Depression. This dessert gained popularity thanks to the use of red food coloring, which helped create its signature hue. Over time, bakers adapted the traditional cake recipe into various treats, including cinnamon rolls. The unique combination of cocoa, red food coloring, and cream cheese frosting gives these rolls their distinct flavor and texture. The dough is prepared by combining flour, sugar, cocoa, dry yeast, and salt in a large mixer bowl. Red velvet became especially popular in the Southern United States before spreading globally. Today, these rolls are a festive choice for Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love with their vibrant color, and providing a delightful breakfast or brunch option for loved ones.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 package red velvet cake mix
– 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 2-3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/4 cups warm water
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Cream cheese (for icing)
– Unsalted butter (for icing)
– Powdered sugar (for icing)
– Vanilla extract (for icing)
– Milk (for icing)
– Red gel food coloring (optional)
– Sprinkles (optional for decoration)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, active dry yeast, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Slowly add the warm water and melted butter, mixing until well combined. Gradually add more flour as needed, just enough to form a loose ball of dough.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the melted butter over the rolled-out dough, followed by the cinnamon filling mixture.
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the longer sides.
Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top.
If desired, add sprinkles for a festive touch. The icing melts into the rolls when applied hot, enhancing flavor absorption.

Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your warm water isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

If you prefer a slightly richer dough, consider adding a bit more melted butter or using cream in the filling for added moisture.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the icing consistency by adjusting the milk and powdered sugar to suit your taste.

Enjoy these delightful rolls fresh for the best flavor, and watch them disappear quickly!

Final Thoughts

Although you might be enthusiastic to plunge into these delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls, taking a moment to reflect on a few final thoughts can enhance your baking experience.

First, consider using red velvet cake mix for ease, but if you want a bread-like texture, add flour and yeast. Remember to let your dough rise properly; one hour and then another 30-60 minutes is ideal. Additionally, these cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed year-round beyond just special occasions.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, adding just enough flour will help. You can customize with sprinkles or different milk for icing.

Finally, be mindful of allergens like wheat and dairy, especially if you have guests with special dietary needs. Enjoy your baking adventure!

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes red velvet cinnamon rolls so delicious and how to master the baking process? You can make these rolls ahead of time by shaping them and refrigerating overnight. Just let them rise for about an hour in the morning before baking at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Essential ingredients include red food coloring for that vibrant color, unsweetened cocoa powder for a hint of chocolate, and unsalted butter for richness. The use of active dry yeast is essential for flavor enhancement and helps achieve a fluffy texture in the rolls.

To achieve the right dough consistency, knead until smooth and slightly tacky, adding flour gradually. When icing, use softened cream cheese for a creamy texture, and let the rolls cool slightly for the best taste.

Enjoy your baking!