Cinnamon Roll Hearts Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Hearts are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a warm, sweet, and fragrant treat shaped like a heart. With their soft, buttery dough, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and irresistible icing, these cinnamon rolls are the perfect dessert for a special occasion or just to enjoy with loved ones. The heart-shaped design makes them especially suitable for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day when you want to show someone you care.

These sweet rolls are easy to make, combining simple ingredients that come together to create a stunning, comforting dessert. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step to create delicious, homemade Cinnamon Roll Hearts that are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Hearts

• Sweet, Spicy Cinnamon Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting filling that’s perfectly balanced by the soft, buttery dough. The cinnamon flavor is the star of the show, making every bite an indulgent treat.
• Adorable Heart Shape: The heart-shaped rolls are perfect for showing your love and affection, whether you’re gifting them or serving them at a gathering. Their charming appearance makes them especially fitting for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
• Soft, Fluffy Texture: These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The dough is enriched with butter, which gives it a richness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Drizzled with Creamy Icing: A sweet glaze drizzled on top brings these Cinnamon Roll Hearts to the next level. The smooth, sweet icing complements the cinnamon filling beautifully and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Fun to Make: Making these heart-shaped rolls is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family. It’s a creative way to bake a delicious treat that looks impressive but is easy to pull off.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These rolls make a stunning addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Their heart shape and sweet flavor make them a perfect choice for celebrating love, friendship, or just the simple joy of good food.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 cinnamon roll hearts
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 280-320 calories per cinnamon roll, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Fat: 14-16g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15-18g

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast, then let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is activated when it becomes frothy and bubbly on top.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together, and then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just slightly tacky.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turn the oven on to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off) to help the dough rise.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sweet, fragrant filling will be spread across the dough once it’s rolled out.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 16 inches by 12 inches in size. Be sure to keep the dough even and smooth, using your hands to gently stretch the dough as needed.

5. Spread the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of space along the edges. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out. Be generous with the filling, ensuring every part of the dough is covered for maximum flavor.

6. Shape the Rolls into Hearts

Now comes the fun part! Starting from one of the long edges of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled up, pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.

To form the heart shape, take one of the slices and gently flatten it with your fingers. Then, fold the sides of the dough inward to create a heart shape, pinching the bottom to seal it. Place the heart-shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining slices.

7. Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover the heart-shaped rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps create soft, fluffy rolls.

8. Preheat the Oven and Bake

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell of cinnamon will fill your kitchen as they bake, making it hard to wait!

9. Make the Icing

While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

10. Drizzle the Icing and Serve

Once the cinnamon roll hearts are slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top of each roll. The icing will melt slightly and create a beautiful, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-sugar filling.

Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Hearts

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before using them in the dough. This helps the ingredients incorporate more smoothly and makes the dough easier to work with.
• Don’t Rush the Rising: The rising time is crucial for soft, fluffy rolls. Make sure you give the dough plenty of time to rise, both after kneading and after shaping the rolls.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to keep it as even as possible to ensure uniform-sized rolls. This will help them bake evenly and have a consistent texture.
• Be Generous with the Filling: The cinnamon-sugar filling is what makes these rolls so delicious, so don’t be afraid to spread it thickly on the dough.
• Serve Warm: Cinnamon Roll Hearts are best served warm, so enjoy them fresh from the oven or heat them up briefly before serving for the best taste and texture.

Variations of Cinnamon Roll Hearts

• Cream Cheese Icing: For a richer topping, swap the simple glaze for a cream cheese icing. Mix together 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
• Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a decadent twist on these heart-shaped treats.
• Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls: Swap the vanilla icing for a maple glaze by using 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. This will add a warm, fall-inspired flavor to the rolls.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cinnamon Roll Hearts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. To keep them soft, store the cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Place the cooled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen rolls can be kept for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Hearts

These Cinnamon Roll Hearts are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and side dishes:

• Coffee or Latte: The rich, warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a creamy latte.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve these sweet rolls with a side of fresh berries or citrus fruits for a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Yogurt: Pair the rolls with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
• Tea: A warm cup of tea, especially a spiced chai or black tea, is a perfect accompaniment to these cozy, heart-shaped treats.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Hearts are a beautiful, delicious treat that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. With their soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and adorable heart shape, these rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating love, sharing a special moment with family, or simply treating yourself.

By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create cinnamon rolls that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. The tips, variations, and storage suggestions will help ensure your rolls are perfect every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Cinnamon Roll Hearts are guaranteed to be a hit.