It has been quite some time since I stumbled upon the delightful recipe for Molly’s Rolls, and ever since discovering it, the recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. I have always had a desire to transform this versatile dough into cinnamon rolls, and I finally had the opportunity to do so. I must say, Molly’s Cinnamon Rolls turned out absolutely wonderful—soft, fluffy, and sweet.

To give these cinnamon rolls a romantic twist, you can shape them into hearts. The process involves rolling the dough differently, creating adorable heart-shaped rolls that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. To add a touch of color and festivity, you can mix a little food coloring into the icing to achieve a lovely pink hue.

Alternatively, you can keep the icing classic and white, then sprinkle on some cheerful Valentine’s Day sprinkles for an extra festive touch. These charming cinnamon rolls are sure to bring joy and love to any gathering.

Ingredients for Molly’s Cinnamon Rolls

• WATER
• MILK
• SUGAR
• YEAST
• OIL
• SALT
• LARGE EGG
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• BUTTER
• CINNAMON
• POWDERED SUGAR
• VANILLA

Instructions for Molly’s Cinnamon Rolls

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the envelope of yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes or until it becomes bubbly and frothy.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the milk to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Then, add the oil and egg and mix well.

Add the Flour: Gradually add 2 cups of flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the salt. Continue to add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

First Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for a few minutes to form a smooth dough. Place the dough back in the mixing bowl, cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm draft-free area for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Roll and Fill: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with sugar, followed by a generous dusting of cinnamon.

Roll and Slice: Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Use a thin sharp knife or a piece of thread to cut the dough into 12 equal slices.

Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray, placing 3 rows of 4 slices. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for an additional 30 minutes.

Bake: Bake rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, combine milk and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Serve: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before pouring the glaze over them. Enjoy warm!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I shape the cinnamon rolls into hearts?
To shape the cinnamon rolls into hearts, roll out the dough and spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly. Then, roll up the dough from both ends towards the center until the two rolls meet in the middle. Pinch the bottom to form a point, creating a heart shape.

Can I add food coloring to the icing?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the icing to achieve a pretty pink color. Simply whisk the food coloring into the icing until you reach your desired shade.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to use, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the cinnamon rolls.

How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from becoming too dry?
To prevent dryness, make sure not to overbake the cinnamon rolls. Bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through but still soft and tender. Additionally, avoid adding too much flour to the dough during the rolling process.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cinnamon rolls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
• Quick Cinnamon Rolls
• 45 Minute Cinnamon Rolls
• Easy Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls