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Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

These Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls offer a charming and delicious treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a sticky cinnamon-sugar filling shaped into delightful hearts. Perfect for breakfast in bed, holiday gatherings, or a fun baking day, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers. Customize fillings and glazes to suit your tastes, making these rolls a warm, festive addition to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) (use dairy-free milk for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (use vegan butter substitute if needed)
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (use vegan butter substitute if needed)
  • 1 cup brown sugar or white sugar mixed with cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze (Optional)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (omit or use vegan cream cheese for vegan option)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk or dairy-free milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to approximately 110°F and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar. Once it becomes foamy, combine with flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Knead until you achieve a soft, elastic dough. Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Roll and Fill: After the first rise, roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture generously on top.
  3. Shape the Hearts: Cut the dough into long strips. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, pinch the edges to seal, then twist gently. Bring the two ends together to form a heart shape and pinch to secure. Place shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet, ensuring space for expansion.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed and airy.
  5. Bake and Glaze: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or your preferred icing for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Adjust flour or milk as needed for perfect consistency.
  • Maintain a warm environment for optimal yeast activation without direct heat to avoid over-proofing.
  • Pinch dough edges tightly to ensure the heart shape holds during baking.
  • Do not skip the second rise; it is essential for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Customize your glaze with caramel, chocolate, or simple powdered sugar and milk mixtures for varied flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart shaped cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, heart shaped pastries, gluten-free cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls