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Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

February 14, 2010 by Nicole 93 Comments

Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

On a whim, I decided to try making heart-shaped cinnamon rolls for a fun Valentine’s Day treat.  I had no idea if it would work, but I was thrilled  with the results.  They turned out so cute, I had to share the technique with you even if it’s a bit late to make them for today’s Valentine’s breakfast.

But who says you can only eat heart-shaped food on Valentine’s Day?

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

You can make heart-shaped rolls from any regular cinnamon roll recipe, but I happen to really like a dough made with buttermilk.  I improvised the dough for these rolls from the cinnamon bun recipe in The Bread Baker’s Apprentice.  Enjoy!

Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), softened
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
2 cups flour (plus extra as needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast (or use rapid rise or bread machine yeast)
1/2 cup warm buttermilk (90 – 110 degrees F)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1  heaping teaspoon cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar using a stand mixer, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, until light and fluffy;  beat in egg.  In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.  Add buttermilk and flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until all the flour is incorporated.

If using a stand  mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6 minutes, adding a bit of flour if necessary to form a very soft dough (will most likely be very sticky and that’s fine).  If kneading by hand, scrape dough onto a floured counter top or board and knead, adding only as much flour as necessary to keep dough from sticking, for 8 to 10 minutes.  Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn once to coat both sides of dough with oil.  Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour and a half.

Gently push dough down to deflate and turn out onto a floured counter top or board.  Press dough out into a small rectangle then cover and let rest for ten minutes.  Meanwhile, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  After dough rests, roll it out into a 20″ x 7 ” rectangle.  Brush surface of dough with melted butter then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.  Gently press the sugar down into the dough with the palm of your hand.

Rolling Cinnamon Roll Dough

Starting on a long side, begin rolling the dough towards the center, stopping before reaching the very center.  Repeat with other side then roll the two sides together until they meet in the middle.  Gently press together.

Rolling Cinnamon Rolls

Slice the rolls into one-inch pieces then transfer to parchment or silpat-lined baking sheets.  Shape the pieces into hearts by pinching the bottom of the roll between two fingers.

Shaping the Rolls

You should end up with 20 -24 cinnamon rolls, divided between two baking sheets.  Cover with greased plastic wrap and let cinnamon rolls rise for 45 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees during last 15 minutes of rising time.

Cut and shaped Cinnamon Rolls

Bake cinnamon rolls at 350 degrees for a total of 15 minutes (or until lightly browned), rotating sheets from top to bottom halfway through baking time if using two oven racks.

Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Cream Cheese Glaze

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 ounces butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (more to taste, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
splash of milk to thin, if necessary.

Beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar.  Spread glaze on warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.  You may also thin the glaze with a bit of milk to drizzle over the rolls, or decorate cooled rolls using a piping bag and round tip as shown below.

Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Filed Under: Adventures in Baking, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Holiday

« Bread Baker’s Apprentice Challenge: Lavash Crackers
Bread Baker’s Apprentice Challenge: Light Wheat Bread »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Di says

    February 14, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Those look wonderful, Nicole! I definitely want to try this shaping method--I'm sure my kids will love it. Especially if I add the sprinkles. =)
    Reply
  2. clotilde says

    February 14, 2010 at 11:29 am

    How clever! And I don't see why anyone would want to make round cinnamon rolls after seeing these... :)
    Reply
  3. Heather in SF @HeatherHAL says

    February 14, 2010 at 11:51 am

    So happy to see this post! It's a darling idea and I especially love the colored sprinkles <3
    Reply
  4. Joanne says

    February 14, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    These are truly adorable. Cinnamon rolls never go out of season. And neither do hearts. Therefore, I'm pretty sure these could be served year-round with no adverse side effects.I am SO bookmarking them!
    Reply
  5. Kalyn says

    February 14, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    I love your heart-shaped cinnamon rolls! So festive and creative.
    Reply
  6. Phoo-D says

    February 14, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Cute buns! I love the whimsical shape. They turned out beautifully! Once my own buns recover from all the BBA breads I'll give these a try.
    Reply
  7. pam says

    February 14, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Those are so cute! What a great idea!
    Reply
  8. sally says

    February 14, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Very cute! Perfect for Valentine’s Day. I ended up making some heart-shaped pancakes this morning.
    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    February 14, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Completely charming. Who wouldn't love to wake up to a heart-shaped cinnamon roll any time?
    Reply
  10. dawn says

    February 14, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    cute!!! love this.
    Reply
  11. Bria @ West of Persia says

    February 14, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Absolutely adorable. Totally agree that heart-shaped food shouldn't be confined to one day a year!
    Reply
  12. Lindsey says

    February 14, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    These are fabulously cute. Such a good idea! I definitely will have to use these as inspiration to make some cinnamon rolls again soon.
    Reply
  13. Jodi says

    February 14, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    Love these! And it works out great since our Valentine's Day celebrations are delayed due to some untimely illnesses! We might have to whip these up for our belated brunch celebration! Thanks for being so clever!
    Reply
  14. Alta says

    February 14, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    These are really cute!
    Reply
  15. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says

    February 14, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    Aww so cute! And they look like they're smiling!
    Reply
  16. Mozelle says

    February 14, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    I love the cinnamon rolls. I recently ordered the book The Bakers Apprentice because of your site and the wonderful breads that were created. Thank you.
    Reply
  17. My Year on the Grill says

    February 14, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    HOW CLEVER... saving this idea!
    Reply
  18. Simply Luxurious says

    February 14, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    They look delicious! I am definitely saving this recipe.
    Reply
  19. Valerie says

    February 14, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    What a great idea! I'm defiantly trying this one.
    Reply
  20. patsy says

    February 14, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    A perfect treat for Valentine's Day!
    Reply
  21. Gretchen Noelle says

    February 14, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Really adorable idea! Glad they worked out!
    Reply
  22. Brit says

    February 14, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    These look fantastic, but I can't help but seeing the Grinch's (Who Stole Christmas) face & ears. :)
    Reply
  23. RuthW. says

    February 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    I just love these and will definitely make them! Made apple cinnamon muffins this morning and they are almost gone! Hearts are great all year..I agree!
    Reply
  24. Su-yin says

    February 14, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Anything cinnamon always works for me! ;) These are so cute and creative, am glad they turned out so well!
    Reply
  25. Katy says

    February 14, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Those are adorable!!!
    Reply
  26. Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes says

    February 14, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    Oh my gosh! That is about the cutest thing I've ever seen! I am definitely going to try this next year!
    Reply
  27. Heide M says

    February 14, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Good idea. I bet they taste as good as they look.
    Reply
  28. picky cook says

    February 15, 2010 at 1:31 am

    those are just too cute for words. love the idea - very creative.
    Reply
  29. grace says

    February 15, 2010 at 3:35 am

    i can't decide if i'm more impressed with, enamored of, or hungered by your phenomenal rolls! very, very excellent work. :)
    Reply
  30. bellini valli says

    February 15, 2010 at 8:34 am

    The not only will bring adoration but they taste good too:D
    Reply
  31. Erin says

    February 15, 2010 at 8:40 am

    You are so the Queen of adorable edible things!
    Reply
  32. Angela says

    February 15, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Love this! Your blog is so wonderful. Thanks for the great photos/ideas.
    Reply
  33. alissa says

    February 15, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    How sweet is this.. love the idea.. simple and so effective!!
    Reply
  34. Tiffany Rosenberger says

    February 15, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    I can't help but smile when I look at these. So cute!
    Reply
  35. cake maker says

    February 16, 2010 at 2:51 am

    What are a really neat idea, I love cinammon swirls, and these look really tasty, it's a clever idea to make them into hearts, i'm not sure about using non pareils, I think the white icing alone look better - great blog, thank you.
    Reply
  36. Barbara says

    February 16, 2010 at 5:37 am

    That is a really cute (and delicious) idea! Am going to copy it now and make it first chance I get....Valentines Day or not.
    Reply
  37. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says

    February 16, 2010 at 11:28 am

    I'm catching up on my RSS reader a bit late this week... Even though I missed Valentine's day I had to leave you a comment to let you know that these are absolutely adorable! I think I'll save this recipe and make these for my hubs for his birthday or our anniversary!
    Reply
  38. Victus Populi says

    February 16, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate aphrodisiac for my husband--he would have loved waking up to these on Sunday. Thanks for the idea for next year!
    Reply
  39. Gala says

    February 17, 2010 at 7:50 am

    Such a cute idea and impressive....with a simple trick!
    Reply
  40. Sarah says

    February 17, 2010 at 10:30 am

    I love it. Only... I wish I'd come up with it. But I will for sure be using this idea for Valentine's to come!
    Reply
  41. Ally @ Sweet & Savory says

    February 17, 2010 at 10:47 am

    How cute! I've never made homemade cinnamon rolls, but have always wanted to try!
    Reply
  42. Georgia.Pellegrini says

    February 17, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Aw those are precious! And it's looks so easy to do, I am suprised I haven't seen more like that. What a special way to start the morning!
    Reply
  43. cheffresco says

    February 19, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    These are adorable! So perfect for v-day.
    Reply
  44. The Teacher Cooks says

    February 19, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    I love what you did with the cinnamon rolls! They are so cute!
    Reply
  45. Easy Southern Cooking says

    February 20, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    Wow, these turned out great. I'm embarrassed to say that I never thought of this. I love shaped foods and own a whole assortment of molds, etc. I make cinnamon rolls fairly regularly and freeze them before baking (now that the kids are all mostly gone). Thanks for a great Idea, and great photos too. BTW, I love your blog. I lurk here often. Diane Watkins
    Reply
  46. my spatula says

    February 20, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    these are just FANTASTIC!! prettiest cinnamon rolls ever.
    Reply
  47. travel-play says

    February 21, 2010 at 12:30 am

    I wish I’d come up with it. But I will for sure be using this idea for Valentine’s to come!
    Reply
  48. Elisabeth says

    February 21, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    What a cute idea -- they look delicious!
    Reply
  49. Caroline says

    February 22, 2010 at 9:29 am

    Double wow. On Twitter, did I see you call yourself a slacker?! Um, slackers don't take the time to make the cutest heart-shaped cinnamon rolls of all time.
    Reply
  50. Megs says

    February 23, 2010 at 1:23 am

    What an adorable idea! Can't wait to try this!!
    Reply
  51. Maytina says

    February 23, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    What a super sweet idea!! They're adorable and I will be making them for my anniversary this year, and add them to my list of Valentine treats! Thanks!
    Reply
  52. Lauren @ Delicateflavors says

    February 28, 2010 at 8:44 am

    What a great idea! I don't usually bake but you definitely inspired me to try. I LOVE cinnamon rolls and this looks so delish that I will have to look for that old rolling pin and give it a try. Thank you for sharing. :)
    Reply
  53. Shannon says

    March 1, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Mmmm yummy! That looks tasty. Just heard about your blog today and wanted to check it out. I am hungry now. :)
    Reply
  54. Rex says

    March 2, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    I was going through all of the sites that are going to be in the 55knives book and stumbled across yours. Those cinnamon rolls look delicious!!
    Reply
  55. sucre en poudre says

    March 6, 2010 at 10:31 am

    They look really great and I love the idea of adding buttermilk iza:)
    Reply
  56. enrolled agent course says

    March 13, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    I will definitely try this, since I love cinnamon rolls, and this is something that you can do even when the Valentine's season is over, just play up with other shapes and designs!
    Reply
  57. Curt says

    March 16, 2010 at 9:49 am

    Nicole, these immediately made think "Dr. Seuss"! I'm sure they were fantastic!
    Reply
  58. pita bread says

    March 30, 2010 at 5:35 am

    That's right, heart-shaped food should not be reserved only for V-day. Something this lovely would be a great treat any day.
    Reply
  59. pita bread says

    April 22, 2010 at 2:22 am

    I love cinnamon rolls and I often make them but I have never thought I could make such nice hearts! And the decorations are so cute. Next time I am going to try it this way.
    Reply
  60. Esther Crumpet says

    May 6, 2010 at 3:54 am

    These buns are delightful; I made them recently, and they were perfect! Thank you for such a great, easy to follow and accessible recipe! Pastries are usually a little temperamental, but there were perfect, and delicious!(As indeed was your Red Velvet Cake recipe, which I made last tear. Everyone looked at me like I was mad, but it was a great hit in the end!)Esther. xx
    Reply
  61. Megan (megabite) says

    May 12, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    I absolutely love this! I want to make these for no reason right away!
    Reply
  62. Sweet Harvest says

    June 2, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Brilliant! I am SO making these this weekend! I adore cinnamon rolls but all too often I shy away from making a batch because I know that I’m committed to a full tray of BIG rolls. Often times they feel like a full meal. With these I’d be inclined to pop them in the freezer and pull a few out when we fancy one without worrying about polishing off an entire tray of big rolls. One of the best ideas I’ve seen in a looong time. Thanks so much!
    Reply
  63. behi sibil&jack fruit says

    September 19, 2010 at 3:04 am

    thats great and lovely tastey rollet tanks for your education and i get highe like british airways
    Reply
  64. Rhonda says

    February 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    Hi! I suppose I recently found this post from a link on another blog (sorry I don't remember which one). I really like this recipe, but curious about how on earth they can be made fresh and ready first thing in the morning... short of getting up at 4:00am. Any ideas?thanks!
    Reply
  65. Janet says

    January 17, 2012 at 8:09 am

    What an incredibly fun idea! Can't wait to make them. :) I'll be featuring them today, thanks for sharing the tutorial!
    Reply
  66. anna says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    great idea, glad to find it this year even if it was too late in 2010!
    Reply
  67. Brittany says

    February 5, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Hey LOVE this idea! It's going on my blog. Thanks for the inspiration!!
    Reply
  68. AlyssaB says

    February 14, 2012 at 11:57 am

    Hi Nicole, Thanks for re-posting this idea this year. I made them for an after-school snack for my kids. FYI, I tried adding pink sanding sugar to the filling. It melted and turned the cinnamon goo pink! It was a fun surprise for Valentines Day :)
    Reply
  69. Sofia says

    January 1, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    They look so pretty! I always seem to mess things up with the yeast, but next time I give it a go I'll try to make these ones.
    Reply
  70. Joan says

    February 11, 2013 at 2:31 am

    it looks very delicious, perfect for valentine's day.. :)
    Reply
  71. Erin says

    February 13, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    I am so disappointed I've been up late making these for tomorrow and I have failed! I don't know what I did wrong but they don't look a thing like the picture and I want to cry! But very nice idea
    Reply
  72. Rhonda says

    February 13, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    Oh, Erin, don't worry! Mine looked absolutely horrid too, but my husband ate them right up. They ended up being pretty tasty though they looked a mess.
    Reply
  73. Erin says

    February 15, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Thank you Rhonda! They were a hit dispite looking a mess, once I iced them they did somewhat resemble hearts lol x x
    Reply
  74. Beth says

    February 4, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    These look wonderful and I'd love to have some ready for my family before school on Friday. Is it possible to do any of the steps the night before so that you just have to bake them in the morning? I'd love any suggestions---thank you!
    Reply

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