If you’re looking for the perfect sweet surprise to make your kitchen smell like love, these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls deliver just that. Infused with cinnamon, cherries, and pistachios, then topped with a cherry glaze, this recipe turns a nostalgic favorite into a celebration-worthy treat. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day brunch or a sweet weekend breakfast, these homemade heart-shaped cinnamon rolls combine tender dough with a warm filling that’s beautifully comforting and completely unforgettable.
Ingredients to Make Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
The Basics Start with Soft Dough
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that great cinnamon rolls begin with dough that’s tender but sturdy enough to hold its shape. This version uses warm milk, butter, and yeast to create a fluffy structure that bakes up golden and soft. The cinnamon adds that cozy flavor everyone expects, but the real beauty? It’s dough that’s easy to roll and even easier to shape into hearts. Just make sure to allow time for it to rise—you want it full and pillowy before baking.
Here’s everything you’ll need for the dough:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 packets active dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
I recommend using a kitchen thermometer to ensure your milk mixture hits that sweet spot of 105°F—not too hot or it’ll kill your yeast, and not too cold or it won’t activate. This small step makes all the difference in the final texture.
A Filling That Feels Like Dessert
Let’s talk about what makes these cinnamon roll hearts extra special—the filling. Sure, it’s buttery and spiced, but the pops of cherry and crunch of pistachios elevate it into something magical. The orange zest adds brightness that cuts through the richness, making every bite perfectly balanced.
For the Filling:
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 cup dried cherries (rehydrated in 1 cup cherry juice)
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
If you’re short on time or want a drizzle boost, my cinnamon simple syrup makes an excellent warm soak before or after baking—just brush it on the rolls straight from the oven.
For the Cherry Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons reserved cherry juice
The glaze is the final love note here—sweet, tangy, and that blush pink hue? Gorgeous.
How to Make
Dough That Rises with Love
Don’t let homemade cinnamon rolls intimidate you. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll crave the whole process—the scent of warm dough, the soft texture, and of course, the joy of shaping each heart. These rolls use a standard yeasted dough method, but we chill it overnight for easier handling and more developed flavor.
Follow these steps exactly, and your heart-shaped cinnamon rolls will turn out soft, structured, and full of love.
Step 1: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, butter, and sugar. Stir to melt the butter completely. Do not boil—use a thermometer to heat it to 105°F.
Step 2: Pour the warm milk mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface. Let it bloom for 6 minutes until it’s foamy.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Add the dry mixture to the milk and yeast mixture. Mix using the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 7 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth ball.
Step 5: Scrape down the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough gently and refrigerate it overnight for easier shaping.
Step 7: The next day, roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 14×18-inch rectangle.
Shape, Fill, and Bake Your Cinnamon Roll Hearts
Now for the fun part—shaping those cinnamon roll hearts. This technique gives you that perfect swirl on each side and a gorgeous center fold. It’s similar to how I shape my Mexican sweet empanadas: gently, patiently, and always with intention.
Step 8: Grease two 9×13-inch baking dishes with butter and lightly dust with sugar. Preheat your oven to 375°F and set the rack in the center position.
Step 9: In a small bowl, mix the butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth.
Step 10: Rehydrate dried cherries in 1 cup of cherry juice by simmering them in a saucepan until plump. Drain, reserving the juice for the glaze.
Step 11: Spread the buttery sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle cherries and chopped pistachios over the top.
Step 12: Slice the dough lengthwise down the center to create two equal strips.
Step 13: Take one strip and roll both ends toward the center to meet, forming a heart shape.
Step 14: Slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
Step 15: Arrange hearts in the prepared pans and let them rest uncovered for 30 minutes to puff up slightly.
Step 16: Bake for 25 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly in the pan.
Step 17: While the rolls cool, whisk together powdered sugar and reserved cherry juice to form a smooth glaze.
Step 18: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Optionally, top with orange zest, chopped pistachios, or freeze-dried strawberries for a beautiful finish.
Serving Ideas, Variations, and Storage Tips
How to Serve These Rolls with Style
These heart-shaped cinnamon rolls are already a visual showstopper, but there are a few easy ways to make them even more memorable when serving.
For a special breakfast or brunch spread, place them on a platter with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a pot of hot coffee. Drizzle extra cherry glaze over the top just before serving for added shine and sweetness.
Want to go bold? Serve these rolls with a warm mug of Cafe de Olla Syrup on the side for dipping. The deep cinnamon-spiced coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cherry glaze and the buttery pastry.
For holidays or birthdays, I like to sprinkle them with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, edible flowers, or even gold sugar dust—it’s a simple touch that makes them feel bakery-worthy.
Variations & Storage for Maximum Flexibility
Here’s the fun part: once you master the base dough and filling, there are so many ways to make these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls your own.
Try These Variations:
- Swap the fruit: Use dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even raisins soaked in orange juice.
- Go nut-free: Skip the pistachios and sprinkle toasted coconut instead.
- Add chocolate: Mini chocolate chips or a dark chocolate drizzle take this recipe from breakfast to dessert in a snap.
- Spice it up: Add cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for warmth.
Storage Tips:
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days—just reheat gently in the oven before serving.
- Want to prep ahead? Freeze shaped, unbaked hearts on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for making ahead for brunch, gifting to a neighbor, or tucking into a lunchbox with a sweet note.
Print
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls That Taste Like Love from Scratch
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 hours (plus overnight chill)
- Yield: 18 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Mexican fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade heart-shaped cinnamon rolls filled with cherry, orange zest, and pistachios. Topped with cherry glaze, perfect for special mornings.
Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 packets active dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Filling:
1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon orange zest
6 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup dried cherries (rehydrated in a cup of cherry juice)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons reserved cherry juice
Instructions
1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm milk, butter, and sugar until butter is melted and mixture reaches 105°F. Do not boil.
2. Pour mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top. Let sit for 6 minutes to activate.
3. Whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add dry mixture to the bowl.
4. Using the dough hook, knead on medium speed for 7 minutes or until dough is smooth.
5. Scrape down the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. Roll dough out on a floured surface to a 14×18 inch rectangle.
8. Grease two 9×13 baking dishes with butter and lightly dust with sugar.
9. Mix filling ingredients in a bowl. Rehydrate cherries in simmering cherry juice. Drain and reserve juice.
10. Spread butter mixture over dough. Top with cherries and pistachios.
11. Slice dough lengthwise into two strips. Roll each end of each strip toward the center to form hearts.
12. Slice into 1-inch pieces. Arrange in pans. Let rest for 30 minutes.
13. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden.
14. Mix powdered sugar and reserved cherry juice into glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.
15. Garnish with orange zest, pistachios, or freeze-dried strawberries (optional).
Notes
These rolls can be prepped and shaped the night before. Store unbaked hearts in the fridge or freeze for later. Swap cherries for cranberries or pistachios for pecans to make it your own.
FAQ:
How do you shape cinnamon rolls into a heart?
To shape cinnamon rolls into a heart, roll each long end of your dough strip toward the center until both sides meet in the middle. This creates a double swirl. Then slice into 1-inch pieces and arrange cut-side up. When baked, they puff up into a perfect heart shape.
Can I make heart-shaped cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the hearts the night before. Store them covered in the fridge, then let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
What filling variations work best for cinnamon roll hearts?
You can experiment with dried fruits like cranberries or figs, swap pistachios for pecans, or even use chocolate chips and orange zest for a dessert-style version. Add cream cheese or Nutella for extra richness, or layer in fruit preserves for a gooey surprise.
How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft after baking?
To keep cinnamon rolls soft, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread or slightly damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
Heart-shaped cinnamon rolls aren’t just a cute breakfast idea—they’re a way to slow down, gather your loved ones, and fill your home with the scent of warm cinnamon and sweet memories. Whether you stick to the cherry-pistachio filling or create your own spin, this recipe guarantees joy with every swirl.
For more cozy and heart-filled baking, check out my favorite churro cheesecake and other beloved Mexican-inspired desserts on the blog.