Introduction
These delightful Valentine Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to add a touch of love to your breakfast or brunch. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, they make an irresistible treat for anyone special in your life. Shaped like hearts and drizzled with a sweet icing, they not only taste amazing but also present beautifully. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this scrumptious, aromatic delight that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt, stirring to mix all dry ingredients thoroughly.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and melted butter until warm to the touch, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a sticky dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar across the surface.
- Carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, then slice it into 1-inch pieces.
- Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, pinching the ends to shape them into hearts.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Bake the heart-shaped cinnamon rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are gloriously golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough milk in a bowl to achieve your desired icing consistency. If you like, add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top.
Notes or Tips
For an extra hint of flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar filling. These rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, and simply warm them up in the microwave or oven before serving.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough properly is essential to achieving the perfect texture, so feel free to put some elbow grease into it! Letting the dough rise in a warm environment is crucial for fluffy rolls, so consider placing it in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on. Lastly, adjusting the icing consistency to your liking can make a beautiful drizzle that adds a personal touch.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just let them rise for an hour at room temperature before baking in the morning.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes! After cutting and shaping them, place the rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
Conclusion
These Valentine Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls will surely make your loved ones feel cherished. With each bite, they’re not just enjoying a delicious sweet treat; they’re also savoring the love and effort you’ve put into making something truly special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the sweet aromas fill your kitchen. Happy baking!