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.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 heart shaped cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour blend used)
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
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or dairy-free milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed and airy.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: heart shaped cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, heart shaped pastries, gluten-free cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls