Soft Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

Soft sweet blueberry cinnamon rolls make a delightful breakfast treat that brings warmth and comfort to any morning. This recipe combines fluffy dough with a cinnamon sugar swirl and fresh blueberries for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Baking these rolls from scratch fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and results in gooey, tender pastries that are impossible to resist.

I first made these rolls on a chilly Sunday morning and the whole family gathered around to enjoy them warm from the oven. They quickly became a weekend tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Four cups to build the dough’s structure choose unbleached for better texture
• Instant yeast: One packet to help the dough rise quickly and evenly
• Granulated sugar: Half a cup split between dough and filling to balance sweetness
• Salt: One teaspoon to enhance flavor without overpowering
• Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon gives the rolls that signature warm spice note use fresh cinnamon for best aroma
• Warm milk: Half a cup to activate yeast and tenderize the dough aim for about ninetyfive degrees Fahrenheit
• Melted unsalted butter: Quarter cup plus extra for greasing adds richness and delicate crumb
• Large eggs: Two eggs enrich the dough and contribute to soft texture
• Fresh blueberries: Two cups provide bursts of juicy tartness that contrast the sweetness
• Lemon zest: One teaspoon brightens the filling with a hint of citrus
• Powdered sugar: One cup for the icing ensuring smooth sweetness
• Cream cheese: Two tablespoons optional in icing for a tangy creaminess
• Milk: One to two tablespoons added to icing to reach perfect drizzle consistency

Instructions

Sponge and Activate Yeast:

Whisk two cups of warm milk with half a cup of sugar and the instant yeast in a large bowl Let this stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl combine the flour salt and ground cinnamon Gradually stir this dry mixture into the frothy yeast mixture until just combined and a rough dough forms

Incorporate Eggs and Butter:

Beat the eggs in a small bowl then stir them along with the melted butter into the dough Mix until the dough begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl indicating it is coming together nicely

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth elastic and only slightly sticky Add a little flour as needed but avoid overflouring to keep the rolls tender

First Rise:

Lightly grease a large bowl with butter place the dough inside and cover with a clean kitchen towel Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour or until doubled in size

Prepare Filling:

Combine the remaining half cup of sugar one teaspoon of cinnamon and lemon zest in a small bowl This mixture will add bright sweet spice to the filling

Shape the Rolls:

Punch down the risen dough to release excess air Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about one quarter inch thick Brush melted butter generously over the entire surface

Add Filling and Blueberries:

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly over the buttered dough Scatter fresh blueberries on top to distribute them evenly before rolling

Form the Cinnamon Roll Log:

Starting at one long edge carefully roll the dough tightly into a log Pinch the seam closed firmly to prevent it from opening during baking Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices

Second Rise:

Place the slices in a greased baking dish with space between each roll to allow expansion Cover again and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown on top

Prepare Icing:

While the rolls bake whisk powdered sugar with cream cheese if using and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy Adjust milk quantity to get a pourable but not runny consistency

Serve:

Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven Serve immediately and enjoy the melt in your mouth experience

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the fresh blueberries Their tartness paired with the cinnamon sugar filling creates an irresistible flavor contrast One chilly morning my family and I ate these rolls with hot coffee and it felt like the coziest moment of the year.

Storage Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for two days For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped rolls after they have cooled To reheat thaw and warm in the oven until soft and fragrant

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh blueberries are out of season frozen blueberries work well just thaw and drain first For dairy free options swap butter with coconut oil and use plant based milk instead of cow’s milk Cream cheese in the icing can be omitted or replaced with vegan cream cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a comforting breakfast These rolls pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit salad They also make a lovely brunch centerpiece for guests

Warm the rolls and drizzle icing before serving for the best texture. They are perfect for weekend mornings or brunch gatherings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of flour works best for these rolls?

All-purpose flour is ideal as it provides the right balance of gluten for a tender yet structured dough.

→ How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat gently before serving to maintain softness.

→ Can I substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones?

Yes, but thaw and drain frozen blueberries to avoid excess moisture that could affect the dough.

→ What is the purpose of the lemon zest in the filling?

Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright note that balances the sweetness and enhances the blueberry flavor.

→ How thick should I roll the dough before filling?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even baking and a good balance of dough to filling.

→ Is cream cheese icing necessary?

The cream cheese adds richness and tang to the icing, but it can be omitted or replaced with a simple sugar glaze if preferred.