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Cozy Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy heart-shaped cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are quick, easy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any cozy morning. Soft, buttery dough with a cinnamon sugar swirl topped with tangy, creamy frosting makes a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 440g), plus extra for dusting
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (57g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (150g), packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (75g), softened
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, about ¼ teaspoon)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (113g), softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to around 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes or use a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl for the filling.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15×9 inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
  7. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a 15-inch log. Cut into 12 equal slices.
  9. Pinch one side of each slice to form a heart shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased 9×13-inch pan, spaced 1 inch apart.
  10. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  12. While baking, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.
  13. Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

Test yeast activation to ensure it foams before mixing dough. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not sticky. Keep dough warm during rises for best puff. Tent rolls with foil if browning too fast. Let cream cheese and butter soften before making frosting for smooth spreading. Rolls can be frozen after shaping and second rise; add extra baking time when baking from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's Day recipe, cozy breakfast, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-heart-shaped-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-perfect-for-valentines-day/