Cozy Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
These cozy heart-shaped cinnamon rolls bake to golden perfection with soft, tender layers and a sweet cinnamon filling, perfect for any occasion from Valentine’s Day to weekend breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), preferably whole milk
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 g) cottage cheese, well-drained and blended until smooth
- ⅔ cup (135 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or dairy-free alternative
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with granulated sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add melted butter, salt, egg, and blended cottage cheese to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside softened butter.
- Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Cut hearts: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or cut dough into strips and triangles, pinching bottoms to form hearts.
- Second rise: Arrange hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle warm rolls with glaze. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
If dough is too sticky, add flour sparingly to avoid dense rolls. Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to help icing set. Proof yeast in warm milk, not hot. Don’t skip the second rise for soft, tender rolls. Watch oven closely to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet breakfast, easy cinnamon rolls, cozy treats, Valentine’s Day recipe