These Lemon Blueberry Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with citrus and berry flavors. The dough is infused with lemon zest, filled with a gooey lemon sugar mixture and blueberry jam, and topped with a rich lemon blueberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are an indulgent yet refreshing twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Blueberry Jam:

• 12 oz (340g) frozen blueberries
• ⅓ cup (66g) granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Lemon Rolls:

• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar (for blooming the yeast)
• 4 ¾ cups (593g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, whisked
• ½ cup (112g) unsalted butter, very softened
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (20g) lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup (112g) unsalted butter, very softened
• ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons (20g) lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, at room temperature (for pouring in between the rolls)

For the Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, cold
• ¾ cup (97g) powdered sugar
• ½ tablespoon (5g) lemon zest (about ½ lemon)
• 2 tablespoons reserved blueberry jam

Directions

Step 1: Make the Blueberry Jam

1. In a medium pot, combine the blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and let cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and softened butter.
4. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
5. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle (¼-inch thick).
2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula.
3. Spoon and spread the blueberry jam over the lemon filling.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Rolls

1. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side.
2. Trim the ends and cut into 12 rolls (about 1 ½ inches wide) using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Pour the room-temperature heavy cream between each roll.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 8: Bake and Prepare the Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. While baking, make the frosting:
   • In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until fluffy.
   • Add the cream cheese and mix until combined.
   • Sift in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
   • Add lemon zest and blueberry jam, then mix until fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

1. Let rolls cool for 5 minutes.
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 Roll)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~6g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~9g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~25g
• Sodium: ~250mg

A Flavorful Dough Base with a Citrusy Twist

The base of these rolls is a beautifully soft and fluffy dough that gets its light texture from the combination of yeast, eggs, butter, and milk. The addition of lemon zest to the dough infuses it with a delightful citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the filling and the tartness of the blueberry jam. The dough is kneaded to create a soft, elastic texture that rises beautifully during the proofing process, resulting in airy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.

Using whole milk and softened butter adds richness and moisture to the dough, creating a tender crumb that contrasts perfectly with the gooey filling and smooth frosting. This dough is similar to that of traditional cinnamon rolls but with a twist of lemon, making it a refreshing change for those looking to try something new.

Homemade Blueberry Jam: A Sweet and Tangy Layer of Flavor

What sets Lemon Blueberry Rolls apart from traditional sweet rolls is the homemade blueberry jam. Using frozen blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch, this jam adds a luscious, sweet-tart layer between the dough and the lemon filling. The cornstarch thickens the jam, creating a smooth consistency that is perfect for spreading evenly over the lemon-sugar filling.

Blueberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall health. This blueberry jam not only adds flavor to the rolls but also provides additional nutritional benefits. The sweetness of the jam complements the tartness of the lemon filling, creating a balanced and vibrant flavor that makes each bite exciting.

Lemon Filling: A Zesty and Sweet Surprise

The lemon filling in these rolls takes the flavor profile to the next level. Made with a combination of brown sugar, white sugar, butter, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, this filling is both sweet and tangy, with a citrusy punch that pairs beautifully with the blueberry jam. The richness of the butter helps create a gooey, sweet center that complements the airy dough.

This lemon filling is a unique alternative to traditional cinnamon sugar fillings, offering a refreshing twist that brightens up the usual flavor profile of sweet rolls. The combination of lemon zest and juice in the filling ensures that the rolls have a vibrant, citrus-forward flavor that shines through even after baking.

Heavy Cream: Adding Moisture and Softness

Before baking, a small amount of room-temperature heavy cream is poured between the rolls. This step ensures that the rolls stay soft and moist during the baking process, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cream helps the rolls bake evenly, contributing to their light, fluffy consistency and ensuring that the filling remains gooey and delicious.

The use of heavy cream also adds richness to the rolls, balancing the brightness of the lemon and the sweetness of the blueberries. The cream absorbs into the dough, further enhancing the soft, delicate texture of the finished rolls.

The Perfect Frosting: Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting

No roll is complete without frosting, and the lemon blueberry cream cheese frosting on these rolls is nothing short of indulgent. The frosting is made with softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and a touch of the reserved blueberry jam. This creates a smooth, creamy, and tangy frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls.

The addition of blueberry jam to the frosting not only enhances the flavor but also gives it a lovely pink hue, making the rolls look as beautiful as they taste. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the sugar and the lemon, creating a rich, velvety finish that contrasts wonderfully with the lightness of the rolls.

The lemon zest in the frosting adds a burst of citrus flavor, which ties together the lemony dough and filling. This frosting is a key element that takes these rolls from delicious to extraordinary, adding creaminess, flavor, and a touch of luxury.

A Showstopper for Breakfast or Brunch

These Lemon Blueberry Rolls are the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering. They are both impressive and indulgent, yet easy enough to make at home. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion like Easter, Mother’s Day, or a birthday, or simply treating yourself and your family to a delicious weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to steal the show.

The bright, zesty lemon and juicy blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery dough and creamy frosting, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet and tangy filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfect for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

One of the best features of these Lemon Blueberry Rolls is that they can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a big event. After assembling the rolls, you can cover them and refrigerate them overnight to allow the dough to rise and the flavors to meld. In the morning, simply bake the rolls, and they’ll be fresh and ready to serve.

Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Just cover them tightly and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes these rolls a convenient option for busy mornings or for preparing in advance for a special occasion.

Customizing the Rolls for Different Flavors

While Lemon Blueberry Rolls are delicious on their own, they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling and frosting to suit your preferences or experiment with different fruit combinations. For example, you could swap the blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries, creating a unique twist on the classic recipe. Adding a layer of almond paste or using different nuts as toppings can also add extra flavor and texture to the rolls.

For those who prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and the filling, or use a sugar substitute. You can also adjust the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar to achieve your desired sweetness level.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Rolls are a decadent yet refreshing twist on classic cinnamon rolls, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. With their soft, fluffy dough, gooey lemon and blueberry filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are an indulgent treat that will delight anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

The combination of fresh lemon, juicy blueberries, and creamy frosting creates a flavor experience that’s both comforting and indulgent, while still feeling bright and refreshing. Whether you make them ahead of time or bake them fresh, Lemon Blueberry Rolls will always be a hit, making them the perfect choice for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dessert, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures in every bite!