Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked into adorable heart shapes that…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked into adorable heart shapes that show off their gooey, cinnamon-y goodness. They’re as fun to look at as they are to eat, making every bite extra special.
I love making these when I want to add a little love to breakfast or a snack. Rolling the dough into hearts is surprisingly simple and always brings a smile—it’s such a cute twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Plus, the smell of cinnamon filling baking in the oven fills the whole kitchen with coziness.
These rolls are perfect for sharing with family or friends, especially on holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just because. I like to drizzle them with a bit of sweet icing while they’re still warm so the glaze melts in just right. Every time I make these, they disappear fast, and everyone asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: These ready-made doughs save lots of time and still give soft, flaky cinnamon rolls. If you prefer homemade, a basic yeast dough works great too, but takes longer.
Butter: Melting the butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly. You can swap unsalted butter for margarine or coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option.
Cinnamon and Sugar: Classic cinnamon sugar mix creates that warm flavor we love. Feel free to lower the sugar or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Icing: Basic powdered sugar icing with vanilla adds a sweet finish. For a richer touch, swap milk with cream or add a little cream cheese.
How Do You Shape Perfect Heart Cinnamon Rolls?
Rolling the dough tightly keeps the layers neat and your cinnamon filling inside. Cutting and shaping the hearts is the fun part:
- Cut each roll slice about 1-inch thick for easy shaping and baking.
- Make a horizontal cut almost through the center, then open the slice gently like a book.
- Pinch one side of the top cut to make the heart’s “V” top notch.
- Pinch the opposite side to round the bottom point of the heart.
- Don’t press too hard, or the shape might flatten during baking.
- Leaving space on the baking sheet helps each roll puff up nicely.
Warming the icing with the rolls slightly cooled allows it to soak in without melting away too fast. The shapes come out cute every time if you follow these simple steps!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat baking sheet gives your cinnamon rolls plenty of space to puff up without crowding.
- Parchment paper – Keeps the rolls from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Sharp knife – Makes clean, even slices for shaping your heart rolls perfectly.
- Small mixing bowl – Perfect for mixing the cinnamon sugar and icing ingredients.
- Pastry brush – Helps spread melted butter evenly over the dough for good cinnamon sugar adhesion.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the butter before rolling for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.
- Stir in a dash of ground cardamom or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor boost.
- Swap the icing for a drizzle of cream cheese glaze to add tangy creaminess that pairs well with cinnamon.
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dough & Filling:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired icing consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes for icing. You’ll have warm, delicious heart-shaped cinnamon rolls ready in under 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean surface and press seams together if needed to make a smooth rectangle.
2. Add Cinnamon Sugar:
Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it all over the buttered dough so it’s nicely covered.
3. Roll and Shape:
Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into about 1-inch thick slices. To create the heart shape, cut each slice almost through the middle horizontally. Gently open the cut slice like a book, pinch one side of the cut to form the heart’s top “V” notch, and pinch the opposite side to round the bottom of the heart.
4. Bake:
Place your heart-shaped rolls onto the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
5. Make the Icing and Serve:
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth icing. Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar for crunch.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the dough before rolling for a chocolate twist.
- Add a dash of ground cardamom or ginger in the filling for extra spice.
- Use cream cheese glaze instead of the simple icing for a tangy flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen crescent roll dough or puff pastry in the fridge overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to make rolling easier.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for warm, just-made cinnamon rolls.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Substitute Milk in the Icing?
Sure! Use any milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk. Adjust the amount to get your desired icing consistency.
