Blueberry Bliss Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in: Sweet Endings and Treats

These Blueberry Bliss Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with juicy blueberries for a delightful twist. The dough rises to perfection, creating pillowy-soft rolls filled with a brown sugar-cinnamon mixture and fresh blueberries that burst with flavor during baking.

After baking to a golden brown, these rolls are topped with a silky cream cheese glaze that melts into all the nooks and crannies. The result is a harmonious blend of warm cinnamon spice, sweet-tart blueberries, and creamy frosting that makes for an impressive breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 15:47:07 GMT
A plate of pastries with blueberries and a flower on top. Pin it
A plate of pastries with blueberries and a flower on top. | tasteofcook.com

This blueberry cinnamon roll recipe transforms the classic breakfast treat into something extraordinarily special. The sweet burst of blueberries combined with the warmth of cinnamon creates a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made these during a summer vacation when we had picked too many blueberries. My family devoured them so quickly I had to make a second batch before dinner. Now they're our special Sunday morning tradition.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender texture for these rolls
  • Active dry yeast: Gives the dough its magnificent rise and fluffy texture
  • Fresh blueberries: Offer bursts of juicy flavor select firm berries with deep color
  • Brown sugar: Provides a rich caramel note that white sugar simply cannot match
  • Cream cheese: Adds tanginess to the glaze look for full fat versions for best results
  • Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice choose fresh Ceylon cinnamon if possible
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the dough from turning blue

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate The Yeast:
Combine warmed milk about 110°F with sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant. This activation step ensures your dough will rise properly and develop good flavor.
Create The Base Dough:
Add the melted butter egg and vanilla to your yeast mixture whisking until fully incorporated. Then gradually introduce the flour and salt mixing until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky.
Develop The Gluten:
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it becomes smooth elastic and bounces back when poked. This kneading process develops the gluten which creates that perfect cinnamon roll texture.
First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl turning once to coat and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm draft free area for about an hour until doubled in size. This slow rise develops flavor and creates the light airy texture we want.
Prepare The Filling:
While the dough rises mix brown sugar cinnamon and lemon juice in a small bowl. If using frozen blueberries toss them with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture from making your rolls soggy. Fresh berries can be used as is.
Roll And Fill:
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the surface leaving a small border along one long edge. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the surface pressing them gently into the dough.
Shape The Rolls:
Starting from the long edge without the border roll the dough into a tight log pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 equal pieces. Arrange in a greased baking dish with slight spacing between rolls.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and touching. This second rise creates that distinctive cinnamon roll texture and ensures they'll bake up light and fluffy.
Bake To Golden Perfection:
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F if you're using a thermometer. The rolls will smell amazing when they're done.
Create The Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar softened cream cheese and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze use less milk for a thinner glaze that seeps into the crevices add a bit more. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not watery.
Finish And Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Serving them warm allows the blueberries to remain juicy and the glaze to melt slightly into the rolls creating the ultimate breakfast experience.
A plate of pastries with blueberries on top. Pin it
A plate of pastries with blueberries on top. | tasteofcook.com

My favorite part of this recipe is how the blueberries burst during baking creating pockets of jammy goodness throughout the rolls. My daughter says they're like "little treasure spots" and always tries to find the roll with the most berries.

Make Ahead Options

These blueberry cinnamon rolls can be prepared up to the second rise then refrigerated overnight. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. The next morning remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This slow cold fermentation actually enhances the flavor making this a perfect option for holiday mornings when you want something special without the early morning work.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough seems too sticky add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Conversely if it's too dry add a bit more milk. Remember that humidity and flour brands can significantly affect dough texture so trust your instincts more than exact measurements. For the filling be careful not to add too many blueberries which can make the rolls soggy. And if your rolls are browning too quickly in the oven simply cover them loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Flavor Variations

While the classic blueberry cinnamon combination is divine there are several delicious variations worth trying. Substitute raspberries for a more tart flavor profile or use a mixture of berries for complexity. Add lemon zest to the dough for a brighter citrus note or incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for textural contrast. For an adult version consider adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze. During fall try adding diced apples instead of blueberries and increase the cinnamon for a comforting autumn treat.

A blueberry cake with a glaze on top. Pin it
A blueberry cake with a glaze on top. | tasteofcook.com

Enjoy these rolls warm with a cup of coffee for the perfect start to your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb remaining moisture and prevent the filling from becoming too wet during baking.

→ Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After cutting and placing the rolls in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking.

→ How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size. A simple test is to gently press your finger about half an inch into the dough - if the indentation remains without springing back completely, the dough is ready.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls for up to 1 month and add the glaze after reheating.

→ What's the best way to reheat these cinnamon rolls?

For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For multiple rolls, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

→ Can I add other fruits to these rolls?

Yes! Raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries work beautifully as alternatives or additions to the blueberries. Just keep the total amount of fruit around 1 cup to maintain the proper filling consistency.

Blueberry Bliss Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls filled with blueberries and cinnamon, topped with cream cheese glaze for an irresistible breakfast or brunch.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cinnamon rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ½ cup whole milk, warmed
06 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
07 1 large egg
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Filling

09 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
10 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
11 ¼ cup brown sugar
12 1 tablespoon lemon juice
13 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using frozen blueberries)

→ Glaze

14 1 cup powdered sugar
15 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
16 2-4 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 04

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. If using frozen blueberries, sprinkle them with cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 06

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 0.6 cm thick.

Step 07

Spread the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the blueberries on top.

Step 08

Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 09

Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 175°C. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 11

In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and enough milk to reach your desired glaze consistency.

Step 12

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, berry-filled perfection of your blueberry cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  1. For best results, ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before beginning.
  2. The rolls can be prepared the night before and refrigerated before the second rise, then brought to room temperature before baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains dairy products
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 8.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48.5 g
  • Protein: 4.6 g