Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of breakfast that tastes like a warm hug, you’re going to flip for this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries and cozy cinnamon, all topped off with that creamy, tangy frosting that just melts in your mouth. I promise, once you make these, you’ll want to whip up batches for every weekend morning—and maybe even some special occasions too. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Sweetness: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon with fresh blueberries creates the perfect sweet and slightly tart filling.
- Soft and Fluffy Dough: Using milk, melted butter, and eggs results in a tender, rich dough that rises beautifully every time.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Finish: This luscious frosting adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the warm spice and fruit.
- Simple Yet Impressive: With just a little patience and basic ingredients, you get a bakery-quality treat right from your oven.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a key role in texture and flavor. The dairy keeps the dough rich and moist, while the yeast gives that airy lift we all crave. Choosing the right blueberries and spices will truly elevate the rolls, so let’s break it down.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast gently and adds moisture to the dough for softness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes these rolls rise and get fluffy—make sure it’s fresh!
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough just right.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and locks in moisture, giving those tender layers.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavor nuances.
- Eggs: Help enrich the dough and give the rolls a lovely golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The base providing structure for a dough that’s soft but sturdy.
- Fresh blueberries: Choose plump and ripe berries for bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Cinnamon: The warm spice that’s classic in any roll—and it pairs beautifully with fruit.
- Cream cheese: For the frosting’s tangy-smooth finish that melts on warm rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and turns simple frosting into something special.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is. You can tweak the filling to suit your taste or even swap out elements to fit dietary needs. Making it yours is part of the fun—trust me, I’ve tried several twists to keep things exciting!
- Variation: Sometimes I add a zest of lemon to the filling for an extra pop of brightness—it really cuts through the sweetness and adds an unexpected lift.
- Dairy-Free Option: I once swapped the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and was amazed at how close the texture stayed—perfect for my vegan friends.
- Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Berry Mix: Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries when in season for a slightly different berry profile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
Start by mixing your active dry yeast into warm milk with a little sugar. It should feel like a cozy bath for your yeast—around 105°F to 110°F is perfect. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until it bubbles and froths nicely. If it doesn’t bubble, the yeast might be old, so grab fresh packets. This step is your dough’s first chance to get lively.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dough
Add your sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and gradually the flour to the yeast mixture. I like to start mixing with a wooden spoon, then switch to hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook once the flour gets heavy. Knead for about 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough feels smooth and springs back when poked. This ensures those rolls will be soft and airy.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Oil a large bowl, shape the dough into a ball, and place it inside. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. I like to preheat my oven for just a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside—it’s like a cozy little bread sauna!
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape
Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out into a big rectangle—about 16×12 inches. Brush the melted butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. Next comes the fun—scatter those fresh blueberries evenly over the top. To keep berries from crowding to one end, I press them lightly into the dough. Then, roll tightly from the long side, pinch the seam shut, and slice into 12 equal pieces. Tip: I use unscented dental floss to cut clean rolls without squishing the dough.
Step 5: Second Rise & Bake
Place the cut rolls into a greased baking pan, cover, and let them puff up for another 30 minutes. This second rise is why they come out so tender and fluffy. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown. If you notice the tops are browning too fast, tent with foil loosely to keep them from burning while the center cooks through.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. When the rolls come out warm, spread this luscious frosting over the top so it melts slightly, turning each bite into pure heaven. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Even Blueberry Distribution: Press blueberries lightly into the dough to keep them from sliding to one end when rolling.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If rolls brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil to finish baking without burning.
- Use Dental Floss for Cleaner Cuts: I swear by unscented floss to slice rolls without squishing their shape.
- Richer Frosting Option: Substitute half the cream cheese with mascarpone for a velvety, richer finish that’s wow-worthy.
How to Serve Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my homemade rolls with a few extra fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a fresh look and an inviting touch. Sometimes, a thin lemon zest curls on top for a zingy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These blueberry cinnamon rolls are perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a big mug of hot tea. I also love serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of light yogurt to balance the richness without overwhelming your breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or brunch parties, I arrange the rolls in a circular bundt pan before baking for a beautiful pull-apart effect. Drizzling an extra swirl of frosting and scattering edible flowers or mint leaves can turn them into an eye-catching centerpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days without losing their softness. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too, but bring them back to room temp or give them a quick microwave zap to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
I’ve found that these rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze raw rolls, pop them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, let rise, then bake as usual. For baked rolls, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw and warm up before frosting.
Reheating
To warm up your leftover rolls, I prefer popping them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep them moist. A quick 15-second microwave zap also works in a pinch but can make edges a bit chewy, so the oven method is my favorite for maintaining softness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries for this blueberry cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough, which could make it soggy. Gently pat them dry with paper towels, then sprinkle and press lightly into the dough as usual.
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How long does it take to make these rolls from start to finish?
From mixing to frosting, it takes roughly 3 hours including the two rises (about 1.5 hours of waiting). The active hands-on time is about 30 minutes. Planning ahead for those rises will help everything go smoothly.
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, roll out, fill, and proceed with the second rise and baking. This is a great way to save time on busy mornings.
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What if my rolls aren’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, confirm your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm but not hot, as too high a temperature can kill yeast. Giving your dough a warm, draft-free place for rising makes all the difference.
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Can I add other fruits or nuts to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add great texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the rolls, or the dough might get too heavy to rise properly.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the bright happiness of fresh fruit. Baking them feels like sharing something warm and joyful with the people I love. I can’t wait for you to try these, whether it’s a relaxing weekend or a special breakfast treat. Once you do, you’ll see why they quickly become a favorite—soft, sweet, and truly unforgettable. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls combine fluffy, soft dough with a sweet cinnamon and blueberry filling, topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they blend warm spices and fresh fruit for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
- Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar, and scatter the blueberries on top.
- Form the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long end, pinch to seal, and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again until puffed, about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Finish: Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Even Blueberry Distribution: To prevent all your blueberries from rolling to one end when you roll the dough, sprinkle them evenly and press them lightly into the dough before rolling. This helps them stay in place and ensures each bite has a good amount of fruit.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the rolls are browning too quickly in the oven but aren’t baked through, tent them loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the tops from burning while allowing the rolls to cook through perfectly.
- Enhance Flavor with Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough or the blueberry filling to introduce a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile of the rolls.
- Use a Dental Floss for Cutting: For clean cuts when dividing your dough into rolls, use unscented dental floss instead of a knife. Slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice through the dough cleanly without squishing it.
- Richer Frosting: For an even richer frosting, substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese. This will give the frosting a velvety texture and a slightly more sophisticated flavor, complementing the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg