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Cozy Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls shaped like hearts and topped with creamy icing, perfect for cozy breakfasts, Valentine’s Day treats, or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups (120–180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons whole milk (or more for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and add a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or mixer, combine melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and stir. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until spreadable.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
  6. Shape the hearts: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces (about 1.25-inch thick). Press each slice gently to flatten, pinch one side to form a point, and press two opposite sides together at the top to shape a heart. Place the hearts cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  7. Second rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise until puffy but not doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Make the icing: While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk or sugar for desired consistency.
  10. Glaze and serve: Let rolls cool for 5 minutes after baking, then spread the creamy icing over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

If dough is too sticky while rolling, sprinkle a little flour but avoid overdoing it to keep rolls fluffy. The heart shaping gets easier with practice. For gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese. Store rolls in airtight container; reheat gently to keep soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, creamy icing, breakfast recipe, brunch, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-heart-shaped-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-homemade-icing-tutorial/