Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Rolls

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Rolls—a festive and indulgent twist on classic sweet rolls. These soft, red velvet-inspired rolls are swirled with creamy Nutella, baked to perfection in a warm cream bath, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and Nutella drizzle. Add sprinkles for a charming Valentine’s touch, making them the perfect treat for your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Romantic: The vibrant red velvet color and rich Nutella filling make these rolls ideal for Valentine’s Day.
Easy to Personalize: Add sprinkles, heart-shaped decorations, or a personalized drizzle for your Valentine.

Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, gooey, and irresistible, these rolls will be the highlight of any celebration.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the night before and bake fresh for a Valentine’s breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 large eggs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons red food coloring

½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
4–4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1 cup Nutella

Cream Bath:

¾ cup heavy cream, warmed

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Topping:

¼ cup Nutella, warmed for drizzling
Valentine’s sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

Activate Yeast: Pour warm milk into a stand mixer bowl and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Combine Ingredients: Add eggs, butter, cocoa powder, red food coloring, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture.
Mix the Dough: Add 4 cups of flour and mix with the beater blade until combined. Rest the dough for 5 minutes.
Knead: Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5–7 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more flour as needed, until the dough is elastic and tacky.

Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30–45 minutes.

Assemble the Rolls:

Roll Out Dough: Turn out the risen dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a 24×15-inch rectangle.
Add Filling: Spread Nutella evenly over the dough.

Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, jelly roll-style. Slice into 15 equal pieces.
Arrange in Pan: Place rolls in a greased 10×15-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 25 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F.

Add Cream Bath: Pour warmed heavy cream over the risen rolls, letting it soak in.
Bake: Bake rolls for 25 minutes, checking at 17 minutes. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.

Frost and Decorate:

Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.

Frost Rolls: Spread frosting over cooled rolls. Drizzle with warmed Nutella and sprinkle with Valentine’s decorations.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 15 rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour (including rising time)

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Heart-Shaped Rolls: Shape the rolls into hearts before placing them in the pan for a festive Valentine’s design.

Different Fillings: Swap Nutella for chocolate ganache, strawberry jam, or cream cheese filling.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based alternatives for milk, cream, and cream cheese.
Smaller Servings: Divide dough and bake in two smaller pans to create gift-sized portions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap unfrosted rolls individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

2. Do I have to use red food coloring?

No, you can skip it, but the rolls will lose their signature red velvet appearance.

3. Can I make these heart-shaped?

Yes, shape the rolls into hearts before placing them in the pan for a fun Valentine’s Day look.

4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Whole milk or half-and-half can be used, but the rolls won’t be as rich.

5. Can I use chocolate chips instead of Nutella?

Yes, sprinkle chocolate chips over the dough before rolling for a similar flavor.

6. How can I ensure the rolls are soft?

Don’t overbake, and ensure the cream bath is added to keep the rolls moist and tender.

7. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, fresh strawberries or raspberries pair beautifully with Nutella.

8. What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough into rolls cleanly.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans.

10. Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting adds a delicious richness to the rolls.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Rolls are the ultimate way to celebrate love and sweetness. With their striking color, rich Nutella filling, and decadent frosting, they’re perfect for sharing with someone special or treating yourself. Customize them with sprinkles, heart shapes, or your favorite filling for a festive touch, and enjoy the ultimate Valentine’s indulgence.