Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Discover the irresistible charm of Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of sweet cinnamon spice and fresh blueberry bursts baked into soft, fluffy dough. These rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful way to brighten any morning or afternoon gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls bring warmth and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls is wonderfully simple because it relies on straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in delivering perfect flavor and texture. From the yeast that helps the dough rise to fluffy, to the blueberries that add juicy pops of sweetness, every item on the list is key to getting this recipe just right.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, giving structure and softness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough fluffy and airy.
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed): Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted for dough, softened for filling): Adds richness and a smooth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the dough and add to its softness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the roll’s overall taste.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Spices up the filling with classic warmth.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor inside the rolls.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): For a luscious, tangy frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, aromatic note to the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency): Makes the frosting creamy and drizzle-friendly.
How to Make Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit until it’s frothy—this signals the yeast is active and ready to give your rolls that perfect rise. Next, stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt to build richness and structure before gradually adding the flour until a soft dough forms. This foundational step sets you up for rolls that are light and tender inside.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. This process develops the gluten, giving your rolls that wonderful chew and bounce. Once smooth and elastic, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rest and rise for one hour. The wait is worth it, as the dough doubles in size, becoming airy and full of promise.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough rises, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple blend is the heart of the filling, melting into the butter-spread dough to create that signature sweet and spicy swirl. Gather your blueberries too, making sure they’re ready to add a juicy surprise in every bite.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
After the first rise, roll your dough out into a large rectangle roughly 16 by 12 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface. Sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and then scatter the blueberries over the top. This layering ensures each bite contains a balanced burst of sweet, spice, and berry freshness.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, aiming for a firm but gentle roll to keep that beautiful swirl intact. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 even slices. Arrange these slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them to rise further.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the cut rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rest helps the rolls puff up further, creating a soft, pillowy texture that’s just waiting to be baked golden.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and irresistible smelling. The warm cinnamon and juicy blueberries will fill your kitchen with pure comfort.
Step 8: Make the Frosting and Serve
While your rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to get that perfect pourable consistency. Once the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle the frosting generously over them. Serve these Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls fresh and watch smiles light up the room!
How to Serve Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Enhance your Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls by topping them with a few fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a charming, rustic look. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely visual contrast and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a simple side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side can add a refreshing creaminess that complements the cinnamon and blueberry notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls on a wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe or arrange them in a basket lined with a colorful cloth for a picnic-style presentation. You can even add edible flowers or mint sprigs for a festive touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their soft texture intact while maintaining that delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Bake them straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked rolls can also be frozen; just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds until soft and melty. Adding a little butter or extra frosting post-warm-up can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough. They still provide that juicy burst of flavor that makes these rolls special.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise about one hour for the first rise until it doubles in size, and then about 30 minutes after shaping the rolls. These rise times help to create the soft, fluffy texture characteristic of great cinnamon rolls.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and filling.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla as an alternative. It won’t have the tanginess of cream cheese frosting but will still be delicious and sweet.
Are Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls suitable for breakfast?
Definitely! These rolls make an excellent breakfast treat, especially when paired with coffee or fresh fruit. Their combination of sweetness and fruitiness feels indulgent yet comforting in the morning.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls bring that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors, wrapped up in soft, pillowy dough topped with creamy frosting. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again because they feel like a warm hug on a plate. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and bake a batch—you’ll be so happy you did!
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Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling and fresh blueberries, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with bursts of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated. Then add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface, followed by evenly distributing the fresh or frozen blueberries on top.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the roll into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls cut side up into a greased baking dish with some space in between for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the prepared rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise again in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until they puff up slightly.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls come out of the oven and have slightly cooled, generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or plant-based milk but results may vary slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- To prevent burning, place an oven-safe dish of water in the oven when baking to maintain moisture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: blueberry cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, fruit-filled pastries
