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Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Hearts topped with cream cheese icing on a plate.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Hearts

Delightful heart-shaped rolls with a sweet, spiced filling and cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions or cozy breakfasts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm) Warm milk helps yeast wake up.
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel for best results)
Filling Ingredients
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Softened cream cheese spreads easily.
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 ¾ cups flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder. Mix until even.
  2. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled.
  5. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, ¼ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until crumbly and spreadable.
Baking
  1. Punch dough down, roll into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick, then spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
  2. Roll tightly from a long edge into a log and seal the seam. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  3. Take each piece, pinch the top center and flatten the bottom to form a heart. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Place hearts in a greased dish with space between them, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden at the edges and a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
Frosting and Serving
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then milk to thin if needed.
  2. Spread frosting on rolls and enjoy warm.

Notes

If you like a fruit twist, these rolls can be shaped beautifully for a cinnamon roll apple pie hybrid. Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze un-frosted for up to 2 months.