Name: Heart Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 200 min
Ingredients: 90 ml whole milk (any other type of milk); 75 g granulated sugar; 6 g instant yeast; 1 egg (room temp.); 300 g all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 56 g unsalted butter (softened); 50 g brown sugar (dark, or light); 25 g granulated sugar; 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 50 g unsalted butter (softedned); 80 g cream cheese (room temp.); 25 g powdered sugar; 30 ml whole milk (any other type of milk will work too); 40 ml heavy cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These heart cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to make for Valentine’s Day! Soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling, they are a warm and comforting way to show love through baking.

About This Recipe

These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to make for Valentine’s Day! Soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling, they are a warm and comforting way to show love through baking. The tender dough pairs beautifully with the rich cinnamon filling and the creamy icing on top, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.

Shaped like hearts, these cinnamon rolls make a romantic and charming addition to a Valentine’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert spread. They are simple to make, and the process of shaping them into hearts adds a fun and creative touch. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, friends, or just to treat yourself, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Milk – Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast and creates a soft dough.

Instant yeast – This ensures a quick and even rise.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with yeast activation.

Egg (room temp.) – Adds richness and helps with structure.

All-purpose flour – The base of the dough, provides structure and softness.

Butter (softened) – Adds tenderness to the dough.

Brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness.

Cinnamon powder – The key flavor in the filling.

Cream cheese (room temp.) – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor.

Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing.

Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the icing to your preference.

Substitutions & Tips

Yeast: If using active dry yeast, activate it in warm milk with sugar for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Flour: Bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
Butter: Salted butter can be used, but reduce added salt.
Milk in the Icing: Adjust to reach your desired consistency; more milk for a thinner glaze, less for a thicker spread.
Optional Step: Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking makes them extra soft and gooey.

heart cinnamon rolls 2 — Heart cinnamon rolls

How to Make Heart Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients for the dough in a medium-sized bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer.

Step 2: Knead the dough on medium speed, if using a stand mixer or by hand, until smooth. This takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer or 7-10 minutes by hand. Place the dough into a greased bowl and rest for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.

Step 3: Prepare the cinnamon filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon powder. Set aside.

Step 4: Once the dough has rested, divide the into 8 pieces. You can make up to 10 pieces if you want them smaller. Roll each of the pieces into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Roll out each dough ball into an oval that’s about 1/4 inch or thinner in thickness. Then spread on an even layer of the prepared cinnamon sugar filling.

Step 6: Staring from the bottom, tightly roll the dough upwards to form a log shape. Then, roll the log gently to make it a bit longer.

Step 7: Fold the log onto itself to form a U-shaped piece of dough, see video for details. Use a sharp knife to cut a slit on the closed side of the U-shaped dough.

Step 8: Open and flatten the cut to form a heart shape, see pic below. Fix the bottom to be more pointy as well. Repeat this process with all of the dough balls, then place them onto a lined baking sheet, cover, and rest for another 30-60 minutes.

Step 9: Once 60 minutes have passed, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celcius and as an optional step pour a little bit of heavy cream over each heart cinnamon roll before baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 10: While the cinnamon rolls bake, make the cream cheese icing: combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

Step 11: Once baked, let the heart cinnamon rolls cool for 5-10 before spreading on the cream cheese icing.

Pro Tips For Making Heart Cinnamon Rolls

Use lukewarm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic to ensure a soft texture.
Let the dough rise properly for the fluffiest cinnamon rolls—don’t rush this step!
Roll the dough evenly to get uniform heart shapes.
For perfect hearts, carefully shape the rolls by following the folding and cutting technique.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before icing so it doesn’t completely melt.

heart cinnamon rolls 3 — Heart cinnamon rolls

These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are a delightful way to make any occasion special. Whether for Valentine’s Day or simply as a sweet treat, they are guaranteed to bring joy to your table! ❤️

Love these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls? Try some of my other delicious recipes! If you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy dessert, my Tiramisu recipe is a must-try. For a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, check out my Cheesecake Bars recipe. And if you love warm, cozy flavors, you’ll adore these classic Cinnamon Rolls. Each recipe is packed with flavor and easy to follow—perfect for any occasion!

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram; I would love to see your creations!

Heart Cinnamon Rolls

These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to make for Valentine's Day! Soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling, they are a warm and comforting way to show love through baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Resting Time 2 30

Total Time 3 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 rolls

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

1 Large bowl of your stand mixer, or just a bowl if making dough by hand
3 Small bowls
2 Spatulas
1 Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Measuring scale best for accurate measurement

Ingredients

For the dough

90 ml whole milk any other type of milk
75 g granulated sugar
6 g instant yeast
1 egg room temp.
300 g all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
56 g unsalted butter softened

For the cinnamon filling

50 g brown sugar dark, or light
25 g granulated sugar
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
50 g unsalted butter softedned

For the cream cheese icing

80 g cream cheese room temp.
25 g powdered sugar
30 ml whole milk any other type of milk will work too

Additional Ingredients

40 ml heavy cream optional

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix lukewarm milk, instant yeast, and 1 tbsp of granulated sugar. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, yeast mixture, and softened butter. Knead by hand or using a dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour (1 1/2 hours preferred).
Prepare the Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon powder in a bowl. Set aside.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then roll it into an oval about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon filling over each oval, then roll it into a log. Slightly stretch the roll and fold it into a U-shape.
Flatten the top slightly, then make a slit at the base of the U. Open and shape the dough to form a heart. Repeat with all the dough pieces.
Second Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). For extra softness, optionally pour heavy cream over the rolls before baking. Bake in the center of the oven (without the fan) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
Finish & Serve: Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with icing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Keyword bread, cinnamon

FAQ’s

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Bake them without icing, let them cool completely, and freeze them in an airtight container. Warm them up before serving and add the icing fresh.