Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls β Soft, Sweet & Bursting with Flavor!
Adam
Thereβs something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Now imagine that same fluffy, spiced dough β swirled with juicy, bursting blueberries. Welcome to your new favorite brunch indulgence: Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls. ππ₯
This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll to another level by incorporating fresh blueberries into every swirl, adding fruity brightness to the sweet, cinnamon-laced filling. Finished with a smooth vanilla cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holidays, or when you just need a little extra sweetness in your day.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
bake & rise time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
π§ Aides culinaires et Γ©pices:
- 2ΒΌ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Β½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- ΒΌ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
π§ Produits laitiers:
- β
cup butter divided (room temp & melted)
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup milk warm (not hot)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, warm the milk (not too hot β around 110Β°F).
Stir in the yeast and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5β10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine:
Activated yeast mixture
Eggs
Melted butter (about Β½ cup)
Salt
Flour
Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for about 7β10 minutes until elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Soften 2 tbsp of butter separately
Set aside the blueberries for direct sprinkling.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (approx. 12x16 inches).
Spread softened butter evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously.
Scatter fresh blueberries over the top.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
Place rolls into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Bake rolls for 25β30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
Beat together:
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
A splash of milk for consistency (if needed)
Spread glaze over warm rolls and let it melt into the swirls. π€€
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for breakfast or brunch with:
Fresh fruit & coffee β
Whipped cream & blueberries on top π
A mimosa for brunch elegance π₯
Drizzle with blueberry syrup for extra berry bliss
π Variations
Frozen blueberries: Use them straight from frozen (do not thaw).
Lemon glaze: Add lemon zest and juice to the icing for a citrusy twist π
Vegan option: Use almond milk, vegan butter, and egg substitute.
Maple glaze: Swap icing for maple syrup + powdered sugar glaze.
No cream cheese? Use just butter, powdered sugar, and milk.
π§ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing or freeze baked rolls before icing.
Reheat frozen rolls at 350Β°F for 15β20 minutes.
Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 20β30 seconds
Oven reheat at 300Β°F for 8β10 minutes
β 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, reduce rise time slightly. Skip proofing and mix directly with dry ingredients.
2. Can I make these overnight?
Yes! After slicing, refrigerate covered overnight. Let come to room temp in the morning before baking.
3. Can I use a bread machine?
Yes, use the dough setting and remove once it has finished kneading and rising.
4. Can I skip the cream cheese?
Yes! Try a simple vanilla glaze instead.
5. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Grease the pan well and avoid using too many blueberries (too juicy).
6. Can I make mini rolls?
Absolutely! Roll tighter and slice into 24 smaller rolls. Adjust bake time to 20 minutes.
7. What flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can substitute with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes β use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix that includes xanthan gum.
9. Can I add nuts?
Try chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for crunch.
10. How do I know theyβre fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown and the center roll should not be doughy. Use a thermometer β the internal temp should be 190Β°F.
π‘ Pro Tips
Use room temperature ingredients β this helps the dough rise properly.
Donβt overstuff β too many blueberries = soggy centers.
Let the dough rise in a warm place β like inside a turned-off oven with light on.
Slice with dental floss β it keeps the rolls neat and even.
Cool slightly before icing β or it melts into a glaze (which some people love!).
π Conclusion
These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls offer the best of both worlds: the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon rolls and the juicy, vibrant pop of fresh blueberries. Soft, pillowy, and sweet β these rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. ππ₯
Once you try them, you may never go back to plain cinnamon rolls again!