Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls offer the perfect balance of sweetness, fluffiness, and a touch of warmth, making them ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch. With layers of cinnamon sugar and fresh blueberries wrapped in soft dough, these rolls are irresistible. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy finish that complements the fruitiness of the blueberries and the spiciness of the cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a weekend gathering, these rolls will undoubtedly impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Gradually incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.

3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Scatter the fresh blueberries over the dough.

5. Form the Rolls: Starting from the long end of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffed.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

8. Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

9. Finish: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 rolls

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Additional Time: 2 hours (for rising)

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough or the blueberry filling for a burst of citrusy freshness.

• Richer Frosting: Substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier frosting that complements the rolls beautifully.

• Other Berries: Swap out the blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different twist.

• Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add a cinnamon-sugar swirl to the dough along with the blueberry filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the blueberries from all rolling to one end of the dough?

Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the dough and lightly press them into the surface before rolling. This will help distribute them evenly throughout the rolls.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for 1-2 hours before baking.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top, and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the dough to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make these rolls without yeast?

No, yeast is essential for making the dough rise and give the rolls their soft, fluffy texture. You would need to find a different type of dough recipe if you prefer to avoid yeast.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thick to ensure that the rolls are tender and bake evenly.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the texture may be denser, and the rolls might not rise as high.

How long should I let the dough rise?

Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour during the first rise, or until it has doubled in size. The second rise should take about 30 minutes.

How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

To thicken the frosting, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, add a small amount of milk or heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the classic cinnamon roll flavor with a fresh twist from the blueberries. They’re soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet, especially with the creamy frosting on top. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just to start your day off right, these rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes them. Enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures with each bite!

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