Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls – Classic cinnamon rolls enhanced with juicy blueberries
Growing up, blueberry cinnamon rolls weren’t part of our Sunday morning tradition—but once I discovered them, they changed everything. One weekend, I stumbled upon a forgotten container of blueberries in the fridge and decided to toss them into our usual cinnamon roll filling. The result? Pure magic. Sweet, sticky rolls with bursts of juicy blueberry flavor in every bite.
Since then, these blueberry cinnamon rolls have become a staple for weekend brunches, holidays, or anytime I want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s a comforting classic with a fruity twist that you’ll fall in love with instantly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fruity Twist: The juicy blueberries add a refreshing burst of flavor to the classic cinnamon roll.
- Soft & Fluffy Dough: These rolls are pillowy soft thanks to a buttery homemade dough.
- Perfect for Brunch: Ideal for breakfast gatherings or holiday mornings.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for a quick treat any day.
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the rolls and ensures a tender texture.
- Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become airy and light.
- Milk & Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- Sugar & Cinnamon: Provides the classic sweet, spiced flavor.
- Fresh Blueberries: Adds moisture and a fruity burst to each bite.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Balances the sweetness with tang and richness.
Step-by-Step Process (Summary):
Start by preparing the yeast dough and letting it rise until doubled. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and scatter blueberries evenly. Roll tightly, slice into rounds, and place in a baking dish. After a second rise, bake until golden brown. Top with cream cheese icing and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries – just make sure they’re not too wet.
- Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy touch.
- Drizzle a vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Make overnight rolls – prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Add nuts like pecans for crunch.
Nutritional Information:
Blueberries add antioxidants and vitamins, while the homemade dough allows control over sugar and fat, making these rolls slightly healthier than store-bought versions.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with coffee, fresh fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving.
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls – Classic cinnamon rolls enhanced with juicy blueberries
These soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls are swirled with sweet blueberries and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting — perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- 9×13 baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan (optional for warming milk)
- Oven
- For Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- For Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (pat dry if frozen)
- For Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional for thinning)
Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and scatter blueberries.
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly, slice into 9–12 rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
Second Rise: Place rolls in greased baking dish. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Serve: Enjoy fresh and warm!
You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Frozen blueberries should be thawed and patted dry before using.
Add lemon zest to the filling for a fresh twist.
Additional Tips:
For best results, don’t overwork the dough, and use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly. Letting the rolls cool for 10 minutes before icing helps the frosting stick without melting too much.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the rolls.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes, freeze them unfrosted and add icing after reheating.
Conclusion:
These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls combine classic comfort with fruity freshness—perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions. Try them this weekend and let the sweet, warm aroma fill your kitchen!
