I love a kitchen that smells like cinnamon and chocolate. These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls feel like a hug. They are soft, slightly chocolatey, and full of cream cheese frosting. They look fancy but stay easy. I sometimes make them when friends stop by. I also pair them with other sweet rolls for a brunch spread, like my favorite cookies-and-cream cinnamon rolls. It makes the morning feel extra special.

why make this recipe

This recipe is simple. It uses pantry staples. You do not need fancy equipment. The colors feel festive for Valentine’s Day. The cream cheese frosting keeps them rich and cozy. They bake fast and smell wonderful. Your kitchen will fill with warmth.

how to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Milk (for thinning frosting if needed)

Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, egg, red food coloring, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. Spread with softened cream cheese and roll into a log.
Cut the log into even slices and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until fluffy and baked through.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the frosting. Add a splash of milk if you want a looser glaze.
Drizzle the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Enjoy with your loved ones!

If you want a really tender roll, try the folding and proofing ideas I used for my pumpkin sourdough cinnamon rolls. The technique helps with texture.

how to serve Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Serve warm. They taste best fresh from the oven. Add a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a pretty touch. Pair them with coffee or a simple fruit salad. For a chocolate overload, serve alongside a plate of red velvet brownies. They make any table feel festive.

how to store Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes or microwave briefly. Add a little extra frosting after reheating if needed.

tips to make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Use room-temperature ingredients. They mix more evenly. Do not overwork the dough. Work quickly when rolling to keep it soft. Taste the cream cheese before you spread it; add a touch more sugar if it needs balance. If the dough feels dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time. For a different red velvet twist, try the cookie-style flavor tips I love in my easy red velvet cake mix cookies. They give great ideas for boosting the red velvet flavor.

variation (if any)

Swap the cream cheese filling for a cinnamon-sugar butter spread for more classic cinnamon rolls. Add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips in the roll for texture. Use beet powder or a natural food dye if you prefer a natural red.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dough and roll it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze the sliced rolls on a tray until firm. Transfer to a bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: My frosting is too thick. How do I thin it?
A: Add milk a teaspoon at a time and stir. Stop when it reaches a drizzle consistency.

Q: Can I skip the food coloring?
A: You can. The rolls will be more chocolatey than red. The flavor stays the same.

Red Velvet Valentine's Day Cinnamon Rolls

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