1. Prepare the Dough: Creating a Soft and Flavorful Base

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, a pinch of the granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Whisk gently to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients to Yeast Mixture: To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with a dough hook (if using a stand mixer) or stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s no longer sticking to your hands.
6. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it over to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
7. Let Dough Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
   • Tip: A good place to let the dough rise is inside a turned-off oven with the oven light on.

2. Prepare the Filling: A Sweet and Spicy Blend

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well with a fork or your fingers until it forms a paste-like consistency.

3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Creating the Swirls of Flavor

1. Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 15×9-inch rectangle. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.
3. Spread Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½-inch border along the edges.
4. Roll Up Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.

4. Cut and Bake the Rolls: Shaping and Baking to Perfection

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cut into Rolls: Using a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
   • Tip: Using dental floss creates clean cuts without squashing the rolls.
3. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, placing them cut-side up and leaving a little space between each one.
4. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
   • Tip: The rolls are done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: A Tangy and Sweet Topping

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until it’s fully incorporated and the glaze is smooth.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Adjust Consistency: Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick but still pourable.

6. Glaze and Decorate: The Finishing Touches

1. Cool Slightly: Let the baked cinnamon rolls cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before glazing.
2. Spread Glaze: Spread the warm cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
3. Decorate: Sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles or other Valentine’s Day decorations.
4. Serve: Serve the Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!