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Valentine Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Valentine Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and festive treat perfect for celebrating love! Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar are shaped into adorable hearts and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

Equipment

  • - Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Baking dish or sheet pan
  • - Stand mixer (optional)
  • - Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • #### Dough
  • - 3/4 cup warm milk 110°F/43°C
  • - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1 large egg room temperature
  • - 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • - 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • #### Filling
  • - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • #### Cream Cheese Glaze
  • - 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • - 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1–2 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency

Instructions
 

  • #### Make the Dough
  • **Activate the yeast**
  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  • **Mix the wet ingredients**
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and the remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  • **Form the dough**
  • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • **Rise**
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • #### Make the Filling
  • **Prepare the filling**
  • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
  • #### Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
  • **Roll out the dough**
  • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12x16 inches.
  • **Spread the filling**
  • Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough.
  • **Shape the hearts**
  • Roll up the dough tightly from both long edges toward the center until they meet in the middle. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch pieces (you’ll get about 12 rolls). Pinch the bottom of each roll slightly to form a point, shaping them into hearts.
  • **Arrange and rise**
  • Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish or sheet pan, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed.
  • #### Bake
  • **Preheat the oven**
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • **Bake the rolls**
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • #### Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
  • **Mix the glaze**
  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy.
  • #### Glaze and Serve
  • **Glaze the rolls**
  • Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!