Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re a fan of warm, gooey pastries with a fruity twist, this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with a luscious cinnamon sugar filling, bursting with sweet, juicy blueberries in every bite. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, these rolls balance classic comfort with a fresh pop of berry flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this recipe brings a new, vibrant life to the traditional cinnamon roll you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but delightful with these ingredients that work together to create an irresistible balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the soft, elastic dough to producing the fragrant cinnamon-berry filling and silky glaze.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet): To make the dough rise beautifully and give it that airy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed): Contributes to a rich, moist dough with a hint of creaminess.
- 1/4 cup water (warmed): Helps activate the yeast and bind the dough ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): For a soft texture and delicious buttery undertones.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color for the filling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives the filling a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The classic spice that cozies up beautifully with blueberries.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Makes the filling luscious and spreadable.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures the filling isn’t too runny by thickening the blueberry juices.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: The base for a glossy, sweet glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream: Creates a smooth, pourable glaze texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant hint of warmth and depth to the glaze.
How to Make Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour with yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then add warm milk, water, melted butter, and the egg. Mix everything until it comes together smoothly. Gradually add the remaining flour bit by bit until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes—or use a stand mixer with a dough hook—to achieve a smooth, elastic texture. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This resting period is key because it develops the dough’s airy softness you crave.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the dough is rising, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for your flavor-packed filling. Toss the blueberries with cornstarch in another bowl, which helps control the moisture and keeps your rolls from getting soggy. This simple prep ensures that every bite bursts with perfectly balanced sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has puffed up nicely, roll it out on a floured surface into about a 10 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface, then sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar mixture before scattering the blueberry pieces on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam carefully to prevent any filling from escaping. Slice into 12 even rolls and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover again and allow them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes to achieve their final fluffy greatness before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they reach a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Let them cool just enough to handle, so they hold their shape but remain super soft and irresistible.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract together until smooth, then drizzle generously over warm rolls. This glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and a pretty shine, tying the whole Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe together perfectly.
How to Serve Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh blueberries or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze for a beautiful presentation that hints at the flavor inside. You can also add some finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance both visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat. A side of fresh fruit salad or whipped cream can balance richness with freshness, turning breakfast or brunch into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, homemade bakery feel. You could even cut the unbaked roll log into singles, place them in muffin tins, and bake for perfect grab-and-go treats. Drizzle the glaze just before serving to keep each presentation luscious and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your rolls fresh by placing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-warming them gently will bring back their softness and gooey texture nicely.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls (after the second rise) well wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight and bake as usual. You can also freeze fully baked and glazed rolls in an airtight container; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the rolls in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes their soft, pillowy texture and just-melted glaze sensation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure not to thaw them beforehand to avoid releasing too much moisture, which can make the rolls soggy. Tossing the frozen berries directly with cornstarch helps keep the filling just right.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute, you can make a delightful vegan version. The dough might require a bit of extra kneading or careful monitoring of texture, but the results are delicious.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit more before baking for fresh, fluffy rolls.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the filling?
If you skip cornstarch, your blueberry filling might release more liquid during baking, resulting in soggy rolls. You can substitute with an equal amount of tapioca starch or flour, but cornstarch is best for a clean, thickened filling.
Can I add lemon zest to the recipe?
Yes! Lemon zest is a fantastic addition to both the filling and glaze, adding a bright, fresh note that complements the blueberries and cinnamon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those special treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking it for a lazy weekend breakfast or impressing loved ones with a homemade dessert, these rolls bring joy in every bite. Give them a try—you may just find you have a new favorite way to start the day.
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Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls, filled with juicy blueberries and a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade rolls combine a tender yeast dough with a luscious glaze for a comforting treat that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup water (warmed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the warmed whole milk, warmed water, melted unsalted butter, and the egg. Mix until smooth, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. In another bowl, gently toss the fresh or frozen blueberries with cornstarch to minimize excess moisture during baking.
- Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top, then scatter the coated blueberries over the entire surface.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge nearest you, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam well to seal the roll. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the roll into 12 equal rolls. Place the individual rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them with a little space between each.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30–45 minutes in a warm place, until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and silky. Drizzle the glaze generously over warm rolls before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them first to avoid excess moisture making the dough soggy.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- These rolls can be prepped the night before, covered and kept in the refrigerator, then baked fresh the next morning.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American