Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls

Celebrate love and sweetness with these Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a luscious pink glaze. Perfect for a romantic breakfast, a sweet brunch, or a cozy dessert, they’re a heartfelt treat everyone will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and Fluffy – Tender dough with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Festive and Fun – Pretty pink glaze makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Homemade Goodness – Way better than store-bought rolls.
Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Customizable – Add chocolate chips, strawberries, or your favorite twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Pink Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 drops pink or red food coloring

Optional Decorations:

• Valentine’s sprinkles
• White chocolate drizzle
• Fresh berries on the side

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Small whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
Roll into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Roll Up and Cut
Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
Cut into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 5: Arrange and Rise Again
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Pink Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring until smooth and pourable.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate
Drizzle the pink glaze generously over the warm rolls.
Add Valentine’s sprinkles or a white chocolate drizzle for extra festive flair.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Warm Milk – Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t Overbake – Bake until just golden to keep the rolls soft and fluffy.
Glaze While Warm – Pour the glaze over the rolls while they’re still slightly warm so it melts beautifully.
Plan Ahead – You can prepare the rolls up to Step 5 the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

Serving Suggestions
Valentine’s Breakfast – Serve with fresh strawberries and a latte.
Sweet Brunch – Pair with yogurt parfaits and fruit salad.
Dessert – Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Cover leftover rolls tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze unglazed cinnamon rolls individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight and warm before glazing and serving.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use active dry yeast?
   Yes! Just proof it first in warm milk with a little sugar before adding other ingredients.
2. Can I add chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling.
3. What if I don’t have food coloring?
   No worries! The glaze will still be delicious without color, or you can use a bit of berry juice for natural pink.
4. How can I make them dairy-free?
   Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.
5. Can I make heart-shaped rolls?
   Yes! Instead of rolling into a log, roll each long side toward the center and pinch the bottom to create a heart shape before cutting.

Final Thoughts
These Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to show some love, whether you’re making them for someone special or treating yourself. With their soft, gooey centers and beautiful pink glaze, they’re as festive as they are delicious.

Try this recipe and share your beautiful cinnamon rolls with us! Don’t forget to leave a comment and post your photos on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Roll):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 160mg

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