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Cozy Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

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These cozy heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are a soft, fluffy, and buttery treat perfect for special occasions or a comforting breakfast. The recipe features a simple dough with a luscious cinnamon filling and an optional sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free, for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter and room-temperature egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook on low speed. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to prepare the filling.
  6. Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
  7. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over dough, leaving a small border around edges.
  8. Roll dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Cut into 12 even slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
  9. Form heart shapes by pressing down the center of each slice and pinching the top edges together. Place rolls cut-side up on a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  10. Cover rolls loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make glaze.
  13. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls after baking.

Notes

Milk should be warm but not hot (about 110°F) to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well to develop gluten for perfect texture. Use a sharp knife to cut rolls to maintain shape. Press and pinch dough slices firmly to keep heart shape. Avoid overbaking to keep rolls soft. Glaze is optional but recommended for a sweet finish. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated after first rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet breakfast, Valentine's Day treats, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-heart-shaped-cinnamon-rolls-easy-homemade-recipe-for-sweet-treats/