Description
Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling, these Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to show some love! Topped with a dreamy vanilla glaze and a festive touch, they make a beautiful and delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Surprise your special someone (or yourself!) with these irresistible homemade rolls!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Optional Valentine’s Day Toppings
- Pink and red sprinkles
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
- Roll out the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side.
Step 4: Shape & Slice the Rolls
- For classic rolls, cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- For heart-shaped rolls, slice rolls slightly thinner, then pinch the bottom to form a heart.
Step 5: Second Rise & Bake
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space to expand.
- Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze & Decorate
- Drizzle the warm rolls with vanilla glaze.
- Sprinkle with Valentine’s decorations like pink sprinkles or crushed strawberries!
Notes
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active for the fluffiest rolls.
- Warm Ingredients: Cold milk or butter can slow the rising process.
- Heart-Shaped Perfection: Use your fingers to gently pinch the bottom of each roll into a heart shape before baking.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American