Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or more for desired consistency)
For Garnishing (optional):
- Pink or red sprinkles
- Heart-shaped sugar decorations
- Fresh berries (like raspberries) for extra sweetness
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Then knead for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Shape and Roll the Dough
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Form the Hearts: Starting from the long edge of the dough, tightly roll it up. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. To shape each roll into a heart, take the first piece, pinch the ends slightly to form a V-shape at the top, and curve the sides inward to form the heart. Place each heart-shaped roll into a greased 9×13 baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Let it Rise Again: Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overbake.
Prepare the Icing
- Mix the Icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top.
- Add Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle pink or red sugar decorations and heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive touch. Fresh berries can add a nice pop of color and sweetness too.
- Prep Time: 30 min.
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g