Imagine the perfect combination of soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls infused with a sweet and tangy blueberry filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls take the classic cinnamon roll recipe and give it a delightful fruity twist, making them even more irresistible.
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these homemade blueberry cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. The dough is light and fluffy, the filling is bursting with juicy blueberries, and the cream cheese glaze adds the perfect sweet and tangy balance.
Unlike store-bought versions, these homemade rolls contain real ingredients, no preservatives, and maximum flavor. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and baked fresh for an easy yet indulgent treat.
Let’s dive into the ultimate Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, Fluffy Dough – The perfect texture for a classic cinnamon roll.
- Bursting with Blueberry Flavor – The homemade blueberry filling adds a fresh, fruity twist.
- Rich Cinnamon Swirls – A warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze – Sweet, tangy, and perfectly smooth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, special occasions, or just because!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Serving Size: 1 roll
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- Cook the blueberries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Simmer: Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir it in, then remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Add Fillings
- Roll the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread evenly over the dough.
- Add the blueberry filling: Evenly distribute the cooled blueberry mixture over the cinnamon filling.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll the dough tightly: Starting from the long side, roll it into a log.
- Cut into rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze and Serve
- Prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze the rolls: Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
- Enjoy! Serve warm and indulge in the deliciousness!
Ingredient Background
- Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work, and they add natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: Complements the sweetness and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tanginess to both the filling and glaze.
Technique Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Let the dough rise properly to achieve soft and fluffy rolls.
- Toss blueberries with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Make smaller rolls for bite-sized treats.
- Braided Cinnamon Roll Loaf: Roll the dough, slice it lengthwise, and twist it into a braid before baking.
- Layered Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Cake: Arrange rolls in a round pan for a pull-apart cake-style dessert.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent spillage while baking.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Blueberry Rolls: Add chocolate chips to the filling.
- Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze (Unbaked): Place cut rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Freeze (Baked): Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Brunch Spread: Serve with fresh fruit and coffee.
- Holiday Breakfast: A festive addition to Christmas or Easter morning.
- Dessert Plate: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. However, they release more moisture, which can make the filling runnier. To prevent this:
- Do not thaw the blueberries before using them in the filling.
- Increase the cornstarch to 1 ½ tablespoons to help thicken the mixture.
- Simmer the filling slightly longer to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I keep my blueberry cinnamon rolls from getting soggy?
To ensure your rolls are soft but not soggy, follow these tips:
- Drain excess liquid from the blueberry filling before spreading it onto the dough.
- Use enough cornstarch to thicken the filling properly.
- Do not overfill the rolls, as too much filling can leak out and create excess moisture.
- Bake at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) to allow the dough to cook through evenly.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance using these methods:
- Overnight Method: Prepare the dough, let it rise once, roll it out, and assemble the rolls. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Freezing Method: Shape the rolls, place them on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
4. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?
Yes, but the texture will be different. You can substitute a quick biscuit dough (made with baking powder and buttermilk) instead of yeast dough. However, the rolls will be more dense and crumbly rather than soft and fluffy.
5. How do I reheat leftover blueberry cinnamon rolls?
To keep them soft and fresh when reheating:
- Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 10 minutes until warm.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! Try these delicious variations:
- Strawberries: For a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
- Raspberries: Adds a tangy, rich taste.
- Peaches: Brings a soft and juicy texture.
- Apples: Dice and sauté apples with cinnamon for a warm, spiced variation.
7. What can I use instead of cream cheese glaze?
If you don’t have cream cheese or want a different topping, try:
- Vanilla Icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Lemon Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy alternative.
- Buttercream Frosting: For an extra rich and indulgent topping.
8. How do I make gluten-free blueberry cinnamon rolls?
To make a gluten-free version:
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum for structure.
- Increase the liquid content slightly, as gluten-free flour absorbs more moisture.
- Be gentle when rolling, as the dough may be more fragile.
9. Can I use store-bought dough instead of homemade?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use:
- Pillsbury crescent roll dough for a quick shortcut.
- Premade pizza dough for a slightly different but still tasty texture.
- Frozen bread dough, thawed and rolled out as usual.
10. How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Store for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls are a dreamy combination of soft cinnamon rolls, creamy blueberry filling, and sweet cream cheese glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade goodness!