Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Delight your loved ones with these sweet and fluffy heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, perfect for a Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day brunch filled with warmth and laughter.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use the freshest flour for better texture.
- 1 cup milk Warm until pleasantly warm to the touch.
- 1 packet instant yeast Ensure yeast is fresh.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter For dough and brushing on top.
- 1/2 cup sugar Granulated sugar for sweetness.
- 1 pinch salt To enhance flavor.
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon For a warm and spicy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sugar For sweetness in the filling.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese Softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar For sweetness and texture.
- 1 splash vanilla extract To flavor the frosting.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast until combined.
- Warm the milk gently and pour it over the flour mixture.
- Add melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing well to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl.
- Set aside to add to the rolled dough later.
Assemble Cinnamon Rolls
- Once dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Serve
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over them.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling or a dash of almond extract to the frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.