Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls (Printable)
Delight in tender, heart-shaped cinnamon-swirled rolls, finished with a generous layer of creamy cheese icing. A perfect sweet indulgence.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
→ Filling
08 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Cream Cheese Icing
11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes, or until a foamy layer appears on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
02 - To the yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
03 - Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this process.
04 - Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
05 - Once risen, gently punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 16 inches by 12 inches.
06 - Evenly spread the softened butter across the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the buttered dough.
07 - Beginning from the longer sides of the rectangle, tightly roll each side inward towards the center until they meet. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equally sized pieces.
08 - Take each sliced piece and gently pinch the bottom portion to form a distinct heart shape. Arrange these heart-shaped rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced adequately apart.
09 - Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes. While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F.
10 - Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
11 - While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Incorporate milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired pourable or spreadable consistency is achieved.
12 - Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven. Spread the prepared cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They're not just rolls; they're edible declarations of love, perfect for surprising someone special.
- That luscious cream cheese icing perfectly balances the warm cinnamon, making every bite feel like a celebration.
02 -
- Always check your yeast's expiration date; a lazy rise means dense rolls, and nobody wants that.
- Letting the rolls cool just slightly before icing prevents the topping from completely melting away, ensuring that perfect creamy layer.
03 -
- Don't overmix your dough after adding flour; just until it comes together is perfect, preventing tough rolls.
- Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better into the dough, leading to a more consistent texture.