Introduction
Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are the perfect way to celebrate love with a touch of sweetness! These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with tart raspberry jam, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent. The heart shape adds a charming, romantic touch, making them ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special.
The dough is light and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the raspberry filling. As they bake, the rolls become golden brown, with the warm, gooey jam creating an irresistible filling that oozes out with every bite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, these heart-shaped rolls will fill your day with love and deliciousness.
Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are a delightful way to add a little extra sweetness to any celebration. Their soft texture, tart raspberry flavor, and adorable shape make them a guaranteed hit, sure to bring smiles to anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting as a sweet treat, these rolls are the ultimate way to show you care.
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion
- A special breakfast or brunch
- Dessert for a cozy night in
- Gifting homemade treats to loved ones
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls will become a favorite:
- Delicious Filling: The sweet-tart raspberry jam creates a perfect balance with the soft, buttery dough.
- Heart-Shaped: The adorable heart shape makes them perfect for special occasions, adding a personal touch to your baked goods.
- Soft & Fluffy: These rolls are light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, perfect for any time of day.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch out the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates, fat, and a touch of vitamin C from the raspberry jam.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional, for richness)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Raspberry Jam: Adds a tart and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
- Butter: Ensures a soft and rich dough and adds flavor to the filling.
- Yeast: The key to making the dough rise and become fluffy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. - Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to form. - Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on low speed. - Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
- Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the raspberry jam and softened butter (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×9 inch rectangle. - Add the Raspberry Filling:
Spread the raspberry jam filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. - Cut and Shape the Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 even slices. - Shape into Hearts:
Take each slice and gently flatten it with your fingers. Use a knife or kitchen shears to make two small cuts at the top of each roll, then fold the two sections over to form a heart shape. Tuck the pointed bottom end under to secure the heart shape.
Bake the Rolls:
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Place the shaped heart rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll. - Second Rise:
Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have puffed up. - Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Make the Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Finish the Rolls:
- Glaze the Rolls:
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Rolls:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How to Serve
Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day: A sweet, romantic treat for your loved one.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning.
- Dessert: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Gift Giving: Wrap them in a decorative box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Additional Tips
- Rolling the Dough: When rolling out the dough, make sure it’s not too thin. The dough should be thick enough to hold the filling and shape well.
- Filling Variations: You can use other fruit preserves like apricot, strawberry, or blueberry for a different flavor.
- Shape: If you’re not confident with the heart shape, you can simply roll the dough into traditional spiral cinnamon rolls.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before, then refrigerate them overnight for a convenient breakfast the next day. Simply bake them the next morning.
Recipe Variations
- Nutella Filling: Replace the raspberry jam with Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Add a layer of cinnamon sugar before rolling the dough for a spiced version.
- Lemon Curd Filling: For a citrusy version, swap the raspberry jam with lemon curd.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a richer glaze, try using cream cheese frosting instead of a simple glaze.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. After shaping them, freeze the rolls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Special Equipment
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Piping Bag or Small Spoon: For drizzling the glaze.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish or similar will work perfectly for baking these rolls.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake them in the morning after they’ve had time to rise. - Can I use a different jam?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit preserves or jam you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry. - How do I know when the rolls are done?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature—it should reach around 190°F (88°C). - Can I make these rolls without the glaze?
Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness. Feel free to skip it or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are a delightful and charming treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a luscious raspberry filling, making each bite a burst of fruity goodness. Their heart shape adds a personal touch, making them the ideal dessert or breakfast for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any moment you want to spread a little love.
To make these Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls, you’ll start with a soft dough that’s easy to work with and perfect for shaping. The dough is rolled out, generously spread with a sweet raspberry filling, and then folded and cut into heart shapes, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat. Once baked, the rolls turn golden and soft, with a slightly tangy raspberry filling that pairs beautifully with the warm, pillowy dough.
These rolls are a thoughtful and beautiful way to show love, whether you’re baking for a loved one or simply treating yourself. With a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are sure to make any meal or occasion extra special. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone who enjoys them.