Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls

Heart-Shaped Raspberry Rolls are a sweet, romantic treat perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or any time you want to show someone you care. These soft, pillowy rolls are filled with a tangy-sweet raspberry filling made from fresh or jammed raspberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon zest for extra brightness. The dough is rolled up, sliced into heart shapes, and baked until golden brown. Topped with a light glaze or powdered sugar, these rolls are not only delicious but also make a visually stunning dessert or breakfast treat.

The first time I made these, I was looking for a fun way to make a breakfast feel a little more special, and Heart-Shaped Raspberry Rolls were the perfect choice! The dough is soft and buttery, while the raspberry filling gives it just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. What I love most about these rolls is how they can be made ahead of time for a quick morning treat or served warm straight from the oven for a cozy, indulgent breakfast. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with someone special, these rolls add a touch of sweetness to any occasion!

Perfect for:

Valentine’s Day
Breakfast or brunch
Celebratory events
Sweet treats for loved ones
Raspberry and pastry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls will quickly become your go-to sweet indulgence:

Cute and Fun Shape: The heart shape makes these rolls perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Fluffy and Soft: The dough is tender and light, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Sweet and Tangy Filling: The raspberry jam provides a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Creamy Glaze: The sweet glaze drizzled over the rolls adds a lovely finishing touch.
Easy to Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Perfect for Sharing: The heart shape makes them a charming treat to share with friends and family.
Customizable Filling: You can swap the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves or chocolate for a different twist.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic breakfast or a family brunch, these rolls are always a hit.
Versatile: You can enjoy them fresh from the oven or warm them up later for a cozy treat.
Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry items, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

The Filling:

½ cup raspberry jam
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

Raspberry Jam: The star of the filling, adding vibrant flavor and sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the dough rises perfectly, giving the rolls their fluffy texture.
Cinnamon: Pairs beautifully with the raspberry jam, adding a warm, spicy note.
Milk and Butter: Contribute to the richness of the dough, making it soft and tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the raspberry jam, cinnamon, and softened butter. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Shape the Rolls:

Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches).
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the raspberry filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut the Rolls: Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Shape into Hearts: Take each slice and gently shape it into a heart by pinching the top together to form the point and spreading the sides.

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place in Pan: Arrange the heart-shaped rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Glaze:

Whisk Together Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and drizzleable.

Serve:

Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls:

As a Valentine’s Day Treat: Serve them as a sweet breakfast surprise for your loved one.
For Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee for a perfect brunch spread.
As a Snack: Enjoy a warm roll with tea or hot chocolate for an afternoon snack.
For Special Occasions: These rolls make a great addition to birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.
With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or raspberry sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
As a Gift: Package them in a cute box to gift to friends or loved ones.
With Berries on Top: Garnish with fresh raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
On a Breakfast Table: Perfect for a breakfast buffet or family gathering.
With Fresh Mint: Add a sprig of mint for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and milk are at room temperature for easy blending.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the rolls with jam to prevent overflow during baking.
Even Slices: When cutting the dough, use a sharp knife to ensure even slices and uniform baking.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
Fresh Jam: Use a good-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

Blueberry Rolls: Swap the raspberry jam for blueberry jam for a different fruity filling.
Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls: Replace the raspberry jam with chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich, indulgent version.
Lemon Raspberry Rolls: Add lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
Vegan Option: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Skip the jam and make a cinnamon sugar filling for a classic take.
Nutty Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Rolls: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these rolls.
Maple Glaze: Replace the powdered sugar glaze with a maple glaze for a cozy, fall-inspired variation.

Special Equipment

Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
Sharp Knife: For cleanly slicing the dough into equal pieces.
Baking Dish: For arranging and baking the rolls.
Whisk: To prepare the glaze smoothly.
Spatula: For drizzling the glaze over the rolls.
Pastry Brush: To spread butter on the dough if needed.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?
Yes, thaw and strain the raspberries before using them in the filling.
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and rolls the night before and bake them in the morning.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the rolls are delicious without the glaze if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan.
How do I make the rolls more fluffy?
Ensure the dough rises properly, and avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and airy.
What’s the best way to reheat the rolls?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best results.
Can I add more jam to the filling?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of jam to your taste, but be cautious not to overstuff the rolls.
What other fruits can I use for the filling?
Try strawberry, apricot, or peach preserves for a fun variation!

Conclusion

Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls are a sweet and charming treat that’s perfect for a special occasion or just as a fun way to enjoy breakfast or dessert. These soft, pillowy rolls are filled with a luscious raspberry filling made from fresh or jammed raspberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. The dough is lightly sweetened, and the rolls are shaped into heart shapes, making them extra festive and perfect for Valentine’s Day or a romantic brunch.

Once baked, the rolls have a golden, slightly crispy exterior, while the inside is soft, buttery, and filled with sweet raspberry goodness. You can drizzle them with a simple glaze or icing made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. These heart-shaped rolls are a delightful way to treat yourself and loved ones, and they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

I can’t wait to see how your Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!