Description
Luxurious red velvet valentines cinnamon rolls combine classic comfort with romantic charm. Sweet cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa notes create a delightful dessert you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375 grams/13.2 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) whole milk
- 2 ¼ tsps (7 grams) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 grams/1.8 oz) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 grams/2.1 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps cocoa powder
- 12 tsps red food coloring
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 grams/4 oz) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 grams/5.3 oz) brown sugar
- 2 tsps ground cinnamon
- 4 oz (115 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (120 grams/4.2 oz) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 grams/1 oz) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine warm milk, yeast, and partial sugar in a container, allowing the mixture to foam and become frothy, confirming yeast vitality.
- Wet Mixture Preparation: Blend melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and red food coloring in a large bowl, thoroughly integrating the activated yeast mixture.
- Dough Formation: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl, gradually folding dry ingredients into the wet mixture to create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Dough Development: Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface or with a stand mixer’s dough hook until achieving a silky, elastic texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and position in a warm spot until volume doubles, typically 1-1.5 hours.
- Filling Creation: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until uniformly combined and spreadable.
- Roll Assembly: Roll risen dough into a rectangular shape, evenly distributing cinnamon-sugar filling across the stretched surface.
- Shaping and Portioning: Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a compact log, slicing into 12 consistent portions.
- Second Rise and Baking Preparation: Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, covering and allowing a secondary rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, ensuring a light golden color and complete cooking.
- Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a salt pinch, beating until light and fluffy.
- Final Touch: Generously spread cream cheese frosting over slightly warm rolls, ready to be served and enjoyed.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast; too hot or cold can disrupt fermentation.
- Dough Consistency Hack: Add flour gradually while kneading to achieve a soft, tacky texture without becoming dry or crumbly.
- Color Enhancement Strategy: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red hue without altering dough’s liquid balance.
- Rising Environment Control: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to guarantee optimal proofing conditions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg