If you are on the hunt for a delightful breakfast treat that sings with bright, fresh flavors and heavenly texture, look no further than this Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe. Soft, tender rolls are swirled with a luscious blueberry filling infused with a hint of lemon, then crowned with a luscious cream cheese lemon glaze. These rolls balance sweet and tangy in the most irresistible way, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether for a weekend brunch or an indulgent snack, these sweet rolls will light up your kitchen and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role in making these rolls soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruitiness.
- All-purpose flour (2 and 3/4 cups/344g): Provides structure and tenderness; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 6 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to both the dough and the blueberry filling.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brings bright citrus aroma and a fresh punch to the dough.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup/180ml): Makes the dough tender and rich.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp for dough, 1 tbsp for icing): Adds moisture, richness, and depth of flavor.
- Platinum yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the dough’s richness.
- Fresh blueberries (1 and 1/4 cups/170–180g): The star ingredient—fresh fruit provides vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor (do not use frozen).
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon for filling, 2 tablespoons for icing): Adds tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces/113g, softened): Creates a creamy, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the rolls.
- Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup/90g): Sweetens and thickens the icing to a smooth finish.
- Optional garnish: lemon zest or sliced lemons: Adds an elegant final touch for presentation.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a large bowl—this dry mix forms the flavorful base. Warm the milk and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is pleasantly warm. Stir in the instant yeast until it dissolves completely. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix them until a soft dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough feels slightly soft and elastic with a little bounce when poked.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover tightly and let it rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about one and a half hours. This slow rise allows the dough to develop wonderful flavor and a tender crumb.
Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling
While the dough is rising, combine fresh blueberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries as you stir, until the mixture thickens slightly and reduces by about half. This luscious filling will become wonderfully jammy and perfectly balance the sweet rolls.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Roll the dough into a 14 by 9-inch rectangle on a floured surface, being careful to avoid mess from the juicy filling. Spread the cooled blueberry mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a 14-inch log. Cut into 9 to 12 equal rolls and arrange them closely in a prepared baking pan. Cover and let rise again until doubled and puffy—this creates beautifully soft and fluffy rolls.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection and Prepare the Icing
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for about 24 to 25 minutes until lightly golden on top. While baking, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon juice to make a smooth, tangy lemon frosting. Spread this icing over the warm rolls as soon as they emerge from the oven, allowing it to melt slightly for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the eye appeal and flavor by topping the rolls with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or even some thin lemon slices. These add a zesty pop and make your Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe truly shine on any breakfast table or dessert plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet, tangy rolls with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls in a circular pattern for a stunning centerpiece or serve them individually wrapped with a ribbon for delightful hostess gifts or party favors. You can also drizzle extra lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls keep beautifully when tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to 5 days. This helps preserve the cream cheese icing as well as the delicate texture of the rolls themselves.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted rolls by placing them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming and frosting to enjoy freshly baked flavor any time.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive their softness and bring out the fresh blueberry aroma. Add frosting after reheating if reapplying the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
It is best to use fresh blueberries, as frozen ones contain excess moisture that can make the filling too watery and affect the dough’s texture.
Why is lemon zest important in this recipe?
Lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries and balance the richness of the rolls and cream cheese icing.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should be nearly doubled in size and feel puffy to the touch. When you gently press your finger, the indentation should slowly fill back in.
Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and blueberry filling a day in advance. Keep the filled rolls covered in the fridge and let them come to room temperature for the final rise before baking.
What is the best way to prevent the rolls from browning too fast?
If the rolls brown too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil during baking to keep the tops from overcooking while the centers finish baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you adore this Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe as much as I do. These rolls are not just baked goods; they’re little bundles of joy filled with zest and sweetness that brighten mornings and bring people together. Once you try them, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple for your breakfast table, as they have for mine!
PrintBlueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
These Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a luscious blueberry filling and a tangy lemon cream cheese icing. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a sweetened blueberry mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy lemon-infused glaze that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Blueberry Filling
- 1 and 1/4 cups (170–180g) fresh blueberries (do NOT use frozen)
- 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Icing
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- optional: lemon zest or sliced lemons for garnish
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest until combined. In a heatproof bowl, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts and mixture is warm (about 110°F/43°C). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and stir with a sturdy spatula or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer dough hook for 3–5 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add small amounts of flour if necessary. The dough should bounce back slowly when poked.
- First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover tightly and let rise in a warm area until nearly doubled in size, about 1.5 hours.
- Prepare blueberry filling: While the dough rises, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly, smashing the blueberries against the pan sides, until sugar dissolves. Boil gently with occasional stirring until mixture reduces slightly and thickens (around 10 minutes). Cool completely (about 1/2 cup filling).
- Prepare baking pan: Grease a 9- or 10-inch round cake pan, pie dish, or square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape and fill dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled blueberry filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a 14-inch log. Cut into 9–12 equal rolls and place them in the prepared pan.
- Second rise: Cover the pan with foil, plastic wrap, or a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled and puffy, about 1 hour.
- Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 24–25 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly. Rolls are done when internal temperature reaches 195–200°F (91–93°C). Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Make icing: Beat softened cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Add softened butter and beat until combined. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread icing over warm rolls. Garnish with lemon zest or lemon slices if desired.
- Store leftover rolls: Cover frosted rolls and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Unfrosted rolls can be kept at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries only, as frozen ones contain too much moisture which may affect the filling consistency.
- Do not add too much flour while kneading; dough should remain slightly tacky for soft rolls.
- If tops brown too fast during baking, tent rolls with foil to prevent burning.
- For a warmer rising environment, use your oven’s lowest setting or a warm spot in the kitchen.
- Check rolls’ doneness with an instant-read thermometer for best results.