Happy Galentine's Day (Taylor's Version)

Put on some Taylor Swift and enjoy a baking fest with your girl friends (yourself or anyone really)! Inspired by Taylor's Viral Chai Cookies these Cinnamon Swirl Rolls are perfect to share with your loved ones this Valentine's. Happy Baking!

Oh and don't forget some chocolate dipped strawberries to enjoy while they're baking.

Valentine Swirl Rolls with Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

Always a request in many households for homemade cinnamon rolls, so why not for Valentine’s Day too! These will not disappoint and can be made ahead to bake off fresh in the morning. Simply let the rise happen slowly in the refrigerator overnight, your loved ones will thank you!

 

3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar, divided

1 cup (250 mL) cold mashed potatoes

1/2 cup (125 mL) hot water

2 1/4 tsp (11 mL) traditional active dry yeast or 1 (7 g) envelope

1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

3 cups (750mL) all-purpose flour (approx)

 

Filling:

1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar

1 tbsp (15 mL) ground cinnamon

1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, softened

 

Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup (125 mL) cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp (45 mL) butter, softened

1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar, sifted

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp (1 mL) each ground cardamom and ginger

Pinch ground allspice

 

In a bowl, add all but 1/2 tsp (2 mL) of the sugar into potato and mash together to combine; set aside.

 

In a large bowl, dissolve remaining sugar in water. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand for about 10 minutes or until frothy. Whisk in butter, potato mixture, eggs and salt. Stir in 2 3/4 cups (675 mL) of the flour to form a sticky dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead in remaining flour for about 5 minutes or until smooth. Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

 

Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

 

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and using foil create a heart shape to outline the shape of the cinnamon rolls.

 

Punch down dough and roll out on floured surface to 14 x 18 inches (35 x 45 cm) rectangle. Spread dough with softened butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture and press gently into dough. Starting at long side roll up and pinch seam to close. Using serrated knife, cut into 12 to 15 pieces and place in foil heart shaped ring on prepared pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled.

 

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly.

 

Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, using electric hand mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and allspice until creamy. Spread over cinnamon buns before serving.

 

Overnight Rise: Once cinnamon rolls are cut and in baking pan, cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to overnight. Remove from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while oven preheats before baking.