Description
Learn how to make irresistible Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe combines the classic cinnamon roll with a burst of fresh blueberries and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Heart sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough: Creating a Soft and Flavorful Base
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Yeast Mixture: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with a dough hook (if using a stand mixer) or stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s no longer sticking to your hands.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it over to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Let Dough Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Tip: A good place to let the dough rise is inside a turned-off oven with the oven light on.
2. Prepare the Filling: A Sweet and Fruity Blend
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well with a fork until evenly combined.
- Have Ingredients Ready: Have your melted and cooled butter, and blueberries ready.
3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Creating the Blueberry Swirls
- Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 15×9-inch rectangle. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.
- Brush with Butter: Pour the melted butter over the rolled-out dough and use a pastry brush or your fingers to spread it evenly over the entire surface, leaving a small border on one long edge.
- Sprinkle with Filling: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Scatter Blueberries: Scatter the fresh blueberries evenly over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll up the dough into a log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
4. Cut and Bake the Rolls: Shaping and Baking to Perfection
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut into Rolls: Using a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Tip: Using dental floss creates clean cuts without squashing the rolls.
- Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, placing them cut-side up and leaving a little space between each one.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are প্রায় touching each other.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Tip: The rolls are done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean, and the internal temperature reaches about 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked cinnamon rolls cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: A Tangy and Sweet Topping
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: While the rolls are cooling, make the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until it’s fully incorporated and the glaze is smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick but still pourable.
6. Glaze and Decorate: The Finishing Touches
- Spread Glaze: While the rolls are still slightly warm, spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
- Decorate: If desired, sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles or other festive decorations.
- Serve: Serve the Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!