Heart Shaped Raspberry Rolls

This heart shaped raspberry rolls recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive and delightful treat perfect for sharing. The sweet-tart raspberry filling combined with soft, fluffy dough and a chocolate hazelnut spread surprise makes these rolls an irresistible option for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.

I first made these rolls as a Valentine’s Day surprise and they quickly became a favorite for birthdays too. The kids loved pulling apart the hearts and savoring the blend of fruit and chocolate.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One cup lukewarm whole milk: to activate the yeast and enrich the dough
• One third cup lukewarm water: to help dissolve the yeast and blend the dough
• One package of instant yeast: provides steady rise without fuss, fresh yeast can be used but requires more attention
• Three tablespoons of fine granulated sugar: for feeding the yeast and lightly sweetening the dough
• Three and a half cups of sifted all-purpose flour: to give structure, choose high-quality unbleached for best results
• One teaspoon fine sea salt: to balance sweetness and enhance flavor
• One 10-ounce package frozen raspberries: adds natural tartness and keeps the filling vibrant even after baking
• One third cup granulated sugar in the filling: helps caramelize the raspberries and counteracts their acidity
• One teaspoon cornstarch: thickens the filling so it does not become runny during baking
• One teaspoon fresh orange zest: brightens the filling with subtle citrus notes
• One third cup chocolate hazelnut spread: brings creaminess and a nutty flavor complementing the fruit

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by baking time for even cooking.

Activate the Yeast and Mix Dough:

In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles indicating active yeast. Gradually add flour and sea salt, mixing thoroughly until the dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops gluten giving the rolls their soft structure.

Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size. This phase is crucial for light airy rolls.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

While the dough rises, mix frozen raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly; the cornstarch will absorb extra moisture as the filling bakes.

Roll and Fill the Dough:

After the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out to a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the dough. Then spoon the raspberry filling along one side, leaving edges clear for sealing.

Shape the Heart Rolls:

Cut the dough into strips and twist or fold them into heart shapes using careful folding techniques or shaping molds if you prefer a uniform look. Place the shaped rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.

Final Rise and Bake:

Cover the shaped rolls again and let them rise for 20 to 30 minutes until puffy. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm so the filling is melty and the dough is fresh.

I especially love the fresh orange zest in this recipe. It lifts every bite with a zing that makes the filling feel light and fresh despite the richness of the dough and chocolate. I have fond memories of making these with my kids who enjoyed shaping the hearts and sneaking extra chocolate during assembly.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, warm gently in an oven or microwave until soft and fragrant. Ingredient Substitutions You can swap whole milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk but the dough may be slightly less tender. Replace chocolate hazelnut spread with plain cream cheese or a thin layer of butter and cinnamon sugar for a different flavor twist. Fresh raspberries can be used instead of frozen when in season for a brighter fruit taste.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice to add sweetness and shine before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these rolls an indulgent dessert.

Creative Twists

Cultural Context Sweet filled rolls have a long tradition in European baking, especially around holidays. This recipe puts a playful and romantic spin on that tradition with heart shapes perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. Seasonal Adaptations In warmer months, substitute raspberries with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. For a fall version, try apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg filling in place of raspberries and orange zest. These changes keep the recipe versatile year round.

Always allow the dough to rise fully for the best texture and flavor. Be gentle when shaping the hearts to keep the filling intact and the rolls perfect.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Store the rolls in an airtight container once cooled to retain moisture and softness. Reheating gently wrapped in foil can help refresh texture.

→ Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh raspberries can be used but may release more juice. Adjust sugar and cornstarch slightly to maintain filling consistency.

→ What is the purpose of orange zest in the filling?

Orange zest adds a bright, citrus aroma that complements the tartness of raspberries, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.

→ How long should the dough rise before baking?

The dough should rise until doubled in size, typically about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on room temperature, for a light texture.

→ Is the chocolate hazelnut spread baked inside or added after baking?

The chocolate hazelnut spread is incorporated into the dough layering before baking, melting to create rich pockets of flavor within the rolls.