Hey y’all! Looking to make this Valentine’s Day extra special? Look no further than these delicious Valentine Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls! They’re soft, fluffy, and loaded with sweet cinnamon goodness, making them a perfect treat to share with your loved ones. Whether it’s for a romantic breakfast in bed or a sweet dessert after dinner, these cinnamon rolls will definitely win hearts. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for Valentine’s Day or any festive gathering.
- Irresistible flavor: Sweet cinnamon filling with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
- Beautiful presentation: Heart-shaped rolls are sure to impress.
- Customizable: Plenty of room for creative variations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs until well combined. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
Kneading and Rising
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Rolling and Filling
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 15×9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then cut into 1-inch slices.
Shaping the Hearts
Pinch each roll into a heart shape by pressing the bottom into a point and pulling the top edges down to create curves. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Making the Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Learn more about yeast.
- To make the glaze thinner, add a tablespoon of milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Cinnamon rolls can be frozen before baking. Simply thaw and bake when needed.
Variations
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolaty twist.
- Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling.
- Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Suggested Pairings
Serve these delightful rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Pro Tips
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. Read more on yeast.
- For even rising, let the dough proof in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent them from becoming too dry.
FAQ
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight before baking.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise? Check your yeast’s expiration date and ensure your kitchen is warm enough for proofing.
- Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat? Yes, but the texture will be denser, and you may need additional liquid.