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Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Easy Vanilla Glaze

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These heart shaped cinnamon rolls are soft, pillowy, and filled with gooey cinnamon sugar, then finished with a silky vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or anytime you want to spread a little love with a cozy, homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp whole milk (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in egg, melted butter, and salt. Add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If sticky, add extra flour 1 tbsp at a time.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes (or 4 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in nutmeg or cardamom if using. Soften butter.
  6. Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface to a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.
  7. Cut dough into 8-10 long strips (about 1.5-inch wide). Roll each end of a strip toward the center to meet in the middle, forming two tight spirals. Pinch the bottom to create a point for a heart shape. Place on lined baking sheet or dish.
  8. Cover rolls loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F during this time.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until rolls are puffed and golden.
  10. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar as needed.
  11. Cool rolls for 10 minutes, then drizzle glaze over each heart. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use fresh yeast and don’t over-flour the dough. Imperfect heart shapes are charming! Prep dough the night before for easy morning baking. Tent with foil if rolls brown too quickly. Add fruit or nuts for variation. Rolls freeze well and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, heart shaped, vanilla glaze, brunch, easy, Valentine's Day, breakfast, homemade, comfort food, kid friendly

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/heart-shaped-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-vanilla-glaze-brunch/