Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of rich red velvet and warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that makes these Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, especially for your loved ones. Imagine pulling these delightful rolls out of the oven, their sweet cinnamon aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a visual delight with their vibrant color. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a cozy brunch, or simply to spread a little love, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare for the rolls.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is nicely blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be a bit sticky but manageable.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened unsalted butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the top.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side, and then slice the log into 12 even pieces.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes, then generously frost them with the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve the rolls warm and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite!
Notes or Tips
For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the buttermilk and egg. This will help the dough rise beautifully. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling!
Cooking Techniques
Rolling the dough tightly is key to achieving delightful spirals in your cinnamon rolls. Ensure you keep a consistent thickness when rolling out the dough to bake evenly. During baking, keep an eye on the color; they should be just lightly golden brown when perfectly done!
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
What should I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect stand-in for buttermilk.
Conclusion
There you have it — a delightful way to show someone you care with homemade Red Velvet Valentine’s Cinnamon Rolls. Beautifully soft and bursting with flavor, these treats are bound to evoke smiles and warm hearts. Whether shared with friends, family, or that special someone, these rolls will certainly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, get your apron on, and enjoy this delicious journey into baking!