Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and charming twist on a classic treat. Soft, fluffy dough rolled up with a cinnamon sugar filling, baked until golden, and shaped into adorable hearts. They’re the perfect way to make breakfast or brunch feel extra special without much extra effort.
I love making these rolls when I want to add a little extra love to the table, especially around holidays or just to brighten someone’s day. It’s so fun to see their smiles when they find cinnamon rolls shaped like hearts—it’s like giving a little hug in pastry form! Plus, the sweet cinnamon smell that fills the kitchen while they bake is the best kind of cozy.
My favorite way to enjoy these is fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze melted over the top. Sometimes I share them with family, and sometimes I happily eat a few myself. Either way, these heart-shaped rolls always make breakfast feel warm and happy, and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is classic here for that soft, fluffy dough. If you don’t have it, instant yeast works too—just add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.
Milk: Whole milk makes the dough tender, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a plant-based milk like oat or almond. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor control. You can swap for salted butter but reduce added salt slightly in the dough to balance it.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a softer texture, try bread flour if you have it. It has more gluten, which helps with chewiness.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Brown sugar adds moisture and richness to the filling. If unavailable, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can mimic the flavor.
Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla and milk is perfect, but you can use cream cheese frosting if you prefer a tangier, richer topping.
How Do You Shape Perfect Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls?
Shaping heart rolls looks tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it:
- Slice your rolled dough log into even pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick.
- To make the pointy bottom of the heart, gently press the middle of one side downward.
- For the top dip, pinch the opposite edge in the center to create two lobes.
- Handle each roll gently so you don’t squish the soft dough or the filling spills out.
- Place them on the pan spaced a little apart—they puff up nicely as they rise and bake.
With a bit of practice, these heart shapes come together quickly and make your cinnamon rolls extra special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to mix and let your dough rise comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters for yeast and spices.
- Rolling pin – to roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for easy shaping.
- Baking sheet or pan – a greased or parchment-lined one keeps rolls from sticking.
- Sharp knife or dental floss – for cleanly slicing your rolled dough into pieces.
- Small bowl and whisk – perfect for mixing the glaze smoothly.
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap – covers dough during rising to keep it moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a warm fall twist that feels cozy and seasonal.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Use cream cheese in the glaze for a tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles for a festive touch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, 30 minutes for the second rise, and 20-25 minutes for baking. Altogether, plan on about 2.5 hours before your heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, mix sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Filling:
Mix the brown sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle, spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
3. Shape the Rolls:
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice the log into 1 to 1 ½-inch pieces. To form heart shapes, gently press the middle of one side of each slice for the pointy tip and pinch the center of the opposite side to create the dip at the top. Arrange these heart-shaped rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
4. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls bake, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, whisking until smooth.
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or any festive toppings over them, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, heart-shaped treats!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead, shape the rolls, then freeze them on the baking pan. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking as directed.
Can I Substitute the Milk?
Yes, feel free to use any milk you have on hand, such as 2% milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warmed to the right temperature (about 110°F) for activating the yeast.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy their soft, fresh-baked texture.
Can I Make These Rolls Without a Rolling Pin?
Yes! You can press and stretch the dough with your hands on a floured surface if you don’t have a rolling pin. Just be patient and aim for an even rectangle for easy rolling.