There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls, and when you make them heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day, you’ve got the perfect combination of flavor and love. These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness, making them the ultimate treat for a cozy, sweet morning. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and love!
Why You’ll Love Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, but especially for Valentine’s Day! Here’s why they’ll become your go-to recipe:
Adorable & Festive
The heart shape makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day! They add a personal, cute touch that’s guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Soft, Fluffy, & Gooey
The texture of these rolls is out of this world. Soft, fluffy dough with a warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a sweet glaze — pure heaven.
Simple to Make
You don’t need to be an expert baker to create these heart-shaped treats! This recipe is straightforward, and the end result is absolutely worth it.
Customizable Filling
While cinnamon and brown sugar are classic, you can easily switch things up with chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts for a fun twist.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients that will make these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls absolutely irresistible.
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: The main structure of the dough. It provides the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
- Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough to balance out the richness of the filling.
- Salt: A pinch to bring out all the flavors.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter: For softness and flavor—always go for unsalted to control the saltiness in your dough.
- Eggs: They help with binding and adding richness to the dough.
For the Filling:
- Brown sugar: Gives a lovely, deep sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice! It gives these rolls their classic, warm flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and makes the filling extra gooey.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, making it sweet and smooth.
- Milk or cream: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla to give the glaze that extra flavor boost.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together over medium heat until the butter melts and the milk is warm (but not hot). Remove from heat and allow it to cool until lukewarm (about 100°F/37°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the dry ingredients, and then add the warm milk-butter mixture and eggs. Stir everything together, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, make the filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Roll & Shape
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches in size. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the entire surface.
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the rolled dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
To shape the rolls into hearts: take each roll and gently stretch and pinch the top edges into a point. Then fold the bottom edges towards the center to form the bottom of the heart shape.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the heart-shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 8: Glaze & Serve
Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for any special occasion. Here’s how to serve them:
Valentine’s Day Breakfast
Serve these rolls as a sweet start to Valentine’s Day with a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Brunch Treat
Perfect for a Valentine’s brunch. Pair them with fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon for a complete meal.
Sweet Gift
These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls also make a perfect homemade gift for your loved ones. Pack them in a cute box or basket and surprise someone special!
Additional Tips
Make Ahead
You can prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before! Let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Freezing Tips
Freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. When ready to bake, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and proceed with the second rise and baking as usual.
Glaze Variations
Try adding a little cinnamon or orange zest to the glaze for an extra flavor twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these without the heart shape?
A1: Absolutely! You can make regular cinnamon rolls instead if you prefer.
Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough and rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Q3: How can I shape the rolls into a heart?
A3: Gently pinch the top of each roll to form a point, then fold the bottom edges towards the center to create the bottom of the heart.
Q4: Can I use a different filling?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate, berries, or even nuts for a new twist.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Q6: Can I freeze the dough?
A6: Yes, freeze the dough after it rises. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Q7: Can I make the glaze without milk?
A7: Yes! You can use heavy cream or even a bit of water to get the desired consistency.
Q8: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A8: Yes! Just activate the active dry yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough.
Q9: How long can I keep these cinnamon rolls?
A9: These rolls are best eaten within 2-3 days, but you can freeze them for longer storage.
Q10: Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A10: Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk and butter in the recipe to make them dairy-free.
Conclusion
These Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet, fun, and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon goodness, they’ll make your morning (or any day) extra special. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Print
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon filling. They’re shaped like hearts, making them the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day! Top with a creamy glaze and enjoy a delicious breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
For the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together. Once it starts to form, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
To Assemble:
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Filling:
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape into Hearts:
- Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- To shape the rolls into hearts: take each slice of dough and carefully pull the sides of the roll out slightly, then fold the top of the roll down to form the top of the heart. The rest of the roll should form the bottom point of the heart. Place the shaped rolls into a greased baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch pan, to hold their shape.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy and slightly touching.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
For the Glaze:
- Make the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add more milk if you want a thinner glaze.
- Glaze the Rolls:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. If desired, you can garnish with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Activate the Yeast:
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead of time by refrigerating it after the first rise. Just punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
- For a richer glaze, you can substitute heavy cream for the milk.
- The heart-shaped rolls can also be served as a fun dessert or snack at a Valentine’s Day party!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg