Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on a classic treat. This soft, red-hued roll brings cocoa notes and cinnamon spice together with a creamy frosting. If you love cinnamon rolls but want a special look for a holiday, this recipe fits. For a comparison to other rich roll recipes, see this best cinnamon roll recipe guide to help you decide which style you prefer.

Why make this recipe

• Quick & easy: uses simple steps and common pantry items.
• Simple ingredients: no fancy tools or strange pantry items.
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: the red color makes a sweet, festive gift.
• Crowd-pleaser: soft dough, warm cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Unique balance: cocoa in the dough adds a subtle chocolate note that pairs with cinnamon and cream cheese.

This version stands out because it mixes cocoa and red color into the roll dough, giving a red velvet taste with classic cinnamon-sugar filling. It feels special and comforting at the same time—great for family mornings or a romantic breakfast.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp red food coloring

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Extra melted butter to spread (about 2 tbsp)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (to thin as needed)

Notes: Use unsalted butter if possible. Let egg and buttermilk warm to room temperature for a smoother dough. If you prefer natural coloring, use beet powder paste but color may be lighter.

How to Make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment. Preheating ensures even rise and baking.
2. Mix dry dough ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This makes a uniform base so your dough bakes evenly.
3. Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and red food coloring until smooth. The fat and egg help bind the dough and give tenderness.
4. Form the dough: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together. If too dry, add a splash more buttermilk; if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.
5. Roll into a rectangle: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough rectangle about 12×8 inches. Rolling evenly gives you consistent spiral layers.
6. Add filling: Brush the dough surface with melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, leaving a small border on the edge to seal. The butter helps the sugar stick and melt while baking.
7. Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log. Press the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 8–10 equal slices. Cutting cleanly keeps the rolls neat.
8. Proof the rolls: Place the slices cut-side up in the greased pan. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. They will puff – this gives lighter, softer rolls.
9. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the centers are set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
10. Make the frosting: While rolls cool slightly, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable but thick consistency. The frosting cools and sets slightly on warm rolls.
11. Frost and serve: When rolls are warm (not piping hot), spread frosting generously over each roll. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tip: For a glossier finish, spread frosting while rolls are still warm so it melts slightly into the creases.

How to serve Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

• Serve warm on a platter for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa or a few heart sprinkles for Valentine’s styling.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
• For a brunch spread, add fresh berries and whipped cream on the side.

How to store Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frosting may soften; that’s normal.
• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze un-frosted rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, warm in the oven, then add frosting.

Tips to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

• Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smooth dough.
• Don’t over-flour when rolling; too much flour makes the dough dry.
• Cut with dental floss for very clean slices: slide floss under the roll, cross ends over the top, and pull.
• If your kitchen is cool, proof in a slightly warmed (but off) oven with the light on.
• For deeper red color, increase food coloring slightly, but use gel food color for less liquid.
• For a fluffier roll, do not press down after the first rise.

For more creative cinnamon roll ideas, try a spiced twist like the Biscoff cookie cinnamon rolls to swap filling flavors.

Variation

• Chocolate cream: Add 2 tbsp melted chocolate to the frosting for a richer topping.
• Nut crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling.
• Strawberry glaze: Replace milk with strawberry puree in the frosting for a fruity touch.
• Mini rolls: Cut smaller slices to make bite-size cinnamon roll bites for parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup regular milk and let sit 5 minutes. This helps the baking soda react and keeps the dough tender.

Can I make these ahead and bake later?

Yes. Assemble and cut the rolls, then refrigerate covered overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking, or bake directly from cold adding a few extra minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze unbaked, cut rolls on a tray, then bag them. Bake from frozen, adding about 10–15 minutes to the baking time, or thaw overnight and bake as directed.

What can I use instead of red food coloring?

You can use beet powder or concentrated beet juice for natural color, but the shade will be softer and may affect flavor slightly.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm single rolls in the microwave for 15–25 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Add a little extra frosting after reheating if desired.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are a simple way to make any morning feel special. They combine soft, cocoa-scented dough with a cinnamon-sugar spiral and tangy cream cheese frosting—easy enough for a weekend bake and pretty enough for a holiday surprise. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below, and share a photo on social media. Want to see a step-by-step video version that inspired this idea? Check out Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls + VIDEO – Stephanie’s Sweet Treats. What variation will you try first—nuts, chocolate, or strawberry glaze? Let us know!

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring soft red-hued dough with cocoa and cinnamon, topped with creamy frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Extra melted butter to spread (about 2 tbsp)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (to thin as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the dough.
3. In another bowl, beat the wet ingredients until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
7. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 8–10 slices.
8. Place in the pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
10. Make the frosting by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
11. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Use unsalted butter for better flavor. Let the egg and buttermilk reach room temperature for a smoother dough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg