Crafting Your Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

Crafting the Perfect Dough

The key to soft cinnamon rolls is a dough that's kneaded just enough to develop the gluten but not so much that it becomes tough. Look for a smooth, slightly tacky texture that springs back when pressed.

Mastering the Roll and Cut

Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent cinnamon rolls. When cutting, use a gentle sawing motion with a sharp knife or slide unflavored dental floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to get a clean cut without squishing the roll.

Creating Heart Shapes

After cutting your rolls, gently pinch the bottom of each roll to form a point. Then use your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon to press an indentation into the top center, creating the classic heart shape.

Frosting Application

Apply frosting while the rolls are still slightly warm (but not hot) so it melts slightly into the crevices. For a more decorative look, transfer some frosting to a piping bag and pipe additional designs on top of each heart.

Sweet Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Make ahead: You can prepare these rolls the night before. After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight, then let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Perfect heart shape: For more defined hearts, roll the dough slightly thinner and make deeper indentations at the top of each roll.

Warm location: If your kitchen is cool, create a warm environment for rising by preheating your oven to its lowest setting, then turning it off before placing the covered dough inside.

Frosting consistency: If you prefer a thinner glaze rather than thick frosting, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to the frosting mixture.

Special occasion: Garnish with red sprinkles, heart-shaped sprinkles, or fresh berries for an extra festive touch.

Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the dough:; 1 cup warm milk (110°F); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; For the filling:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the cream cheese frosting:; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Optional: Red or pink food coloring for tinting the frosting

Deliciously soft and gooey heart-shaped cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F)

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs, room temperature

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional: Red or pink food coloring for tinting the frosting

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.

Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms.

Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 18×14 inches.

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 1-inch pieces.

Shape each piece into a heart by pinching the bottom to a point and indenting the top with your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon.

Place the heart-shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each roll.

Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese and butter until fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading with frosting.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting Your Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

Instructions