Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Valentine’s Day Breakfast in 2 Hours
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Romantic Breakfast Surprise
Imagine waking up on Valentine’s Day to the aroma of warm cinnamon and chocolate, followed by the sight of beautiful, deep-red swirls of soft dough dripping with creamy frosting. These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are that dreamy, special breakfast brought to life. They combine the tender, slightly cocoa-flavored dough of red velvet cake with the cozy, comforting spice of a classic cinnamon roll. Topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze, they are a festive, impressive treat that says “I love you” in the sweetest way possible. For another beautiful Valentine’s treat, try our Valentine’s Day Brownies.
Why These Rolls Are a Special Occasion Must
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red swirls make them a festive centerpiece for any holiday table.
- Perfect Flavor Fusion: The hint of chocolate from the cocoa powder pairs magically with the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Incredibly Soft Dough: An enriched dough with butter and egg yields tender, pillowy layers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, perfect for a romantic breakfast or a celebratory brunch.
Your Festive Ingredient List
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (spooned and leveled for accuracy).
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup (for the signature red velvet flavor).
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp). The key to a soft, risen dough.
- Warm Milk: ¾ cup, warmed to 105–115°F to activate the yeast.
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup, melted, plus more for the filling.
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature.
- Red Food Coloring: 1 teaspoon (gel or liquid) for that vibrant color.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
- For the Filling: ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and softened butter.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 4 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tsp vanilla.
Baker’s Secret: The key to a vibrant red color is using a good quality food coloring. Gel food coloring is more potent than liquid, so you may need less. Remember, the cocoa powder will mute the red slightly, so don’t be shy with the color!
Step-by-Step to Perfect Red Velvet Swirls
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to the temperature of a warm bath (105–115°F). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Make a well and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead & First Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll & Fill: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×9 inches). Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll, Slice & Second Rise: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife, slice into 8-12 even rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are set and the centers are cooked through.
- Frost & Serve: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread or drizzle the frosting over the top so it melts into every nook. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Worthy Results
- Yeast is Alive: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If it doesn’t foam, start over.
- Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adding too much flour makes dense rolls.
- Roll Tightly: A tight roll ensures neat, defined spirals that won’t unravel when baked.
- Room Temperature is Key: Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the smoothest, lump-free frosting.
- Overnight Method: For a stress-free morning, assemble the rolls through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Valentine’s Spread
Serve these rolls warm with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of rich hot chocolate. For a full brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a fresh fruit salad. A single roll on a pretty plate garnished with a fresh raspberry makes a beautiful presentation. They’re the perfect sweet companion to our Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl.
Nutrition at a Glance
(Approximate per roll, 1/9th of pan) Calories: ~320, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 48g, Sugar: 22g, Protein: 6g. This is a decadent, special occasion treat.
Storing, Reheating, and Making Ahead
- Store: Keep frosted rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore softness.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted, baked rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and frost fresh.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be made, shaped, and refrigerated overnight before the final rise and baking.
Your Red Velvet Roll Questions Answered
- Can I make these without red food coloring? Yes, but they won’t be red. You can use beet powder for a natural color, though the hue will be more muted and earthy.
- My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong? The yeast may have been killed by milk that was too hot, or the yeast itself was old. Always check the expiration date and ensure the milk is just warm to the touch.
- Can I use instant yeast? Yes. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients and proceed, skipping the initial “blooming” step.
- What’s the best way to cut the rolls without smashing them? Unflavored dental floss is the best tool. Slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to get a clean cut.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and vegan cream cheese.
More Special Occasion Breakfasts to Try
If you love starting the day with something sweet, you’ll adore our Easy Cinnamon Roll Wreath for Christmas or our fluffy Churro Pancakes any time.
The Story Behind This Festive Twist
This recipe is a beautiful fusion of two beloved classics: the rich, visually striking red velvet cake and the warm, comforting cinnamon roll. It’s designed to turn an ordinary morning into a celebration, using simple baking techniques to create something that looks and tastes extraordinary. The method of incorporating cocoa into an enriched yeast dough is inspired by the detailed and approachable Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls recipe on Comfort Food Lite.
Pin This Recipe For Your Sweetest Morning Yet!
These rolls are a guaranteed way to make someone feel special. Save this image to your “Valentine’s Day Ideas” or “Special Breakfast” Pinterest board so you’re always ready to bake up some love. We’d be thrilled to see your beautiful creations—tag us in your photos! For hundreds more recipes designed to bring joy to your table, explore our full collection.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm milk to 105–115°F. Stir in yeast and let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, food coloring, and vanilla. Stir to form a dough.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 mins until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover, let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Punch down dough. Roll into a 12×9″ rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Tightly roll dough into a log from a long edge. Slice into 9 rolls. Place in greased dish, cover, let rise 30-45 mins until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls 20-25 mins until set. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost warm rolls immediately. Serve.