Homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

Oh wow. Have you ever smelled warm cinnamon rolls in the oven? Now imagine that with sweet blueberries too.

I made these blueberry cinnamon rolls the other day, and oh my gosh—they were so soft and gooey. The berries popped in every bite, and the smell filled the whole house.

You don’t need fancy stuff. Just a little time, a cozy kitchen, and a big craving. Let me show you how I did it—step by step.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Unique Flavor Twist: The fresh blueberry filling and blueberry cream cheese frosting offer a fresh spin on the classic cinnamon roll. It’s a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy warmth of cinnamon.
• Made from Scratch: From the dough to the filling, every element is made from scratch for the freshest, most flavorful rolls you can imagine.
• Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible: These rolls are soft and pillowy on the inside with just the right amount of gooeyness. Plus, they’re topped with a tangy and sweet blueberry cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level.
• Perfect for Meal Prep or a Special Breakfast: You can make these rolls ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them with minimal effort in the morning. They’re ideal for brunch gatherings, holidays, or cozy mornings at home.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary tools to make the magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for both the dough and filling.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While you can knead the dough by hand, a mixer makes the process much easier.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to a nice even layer.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works great for this recipe.
• Saucepan: You’ll use it to prepare the blueberry filling.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the rolls before frosting them.
• Whisk: For mixing the frosting and other ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to this recipe, so make sure you have these on hand!

Ingredients

Let’s break down all the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious rolls:

Blueberry Jam Filling

This is the secret ingredient that gives the rolls their fruity twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 16 ounces blueberries (fresh or frozen): Blueberries provide the flavor and natural sweetness.
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar: This sweetens the jam filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness of the blueberries.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the jam to the perfect consistency.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

The cinnamon sugar is what gives these rolls that warm, spiced flavor. Here’s the breakdown:

• 4 tablespoons butter: Melted butter is the base for the filling and helps everything stick together.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: This gives the cinnamon rolls a deliciously caramelized sweetness.
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The key spice for the filling.
• ½ teaspoon mixed spice (optional): This adds a lovely extra warmth, similar to pumpkin spice.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rolls:

• ¼ cup cream cheese: Softened to make it easy to mix into the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons blueberry jam filling: Infuses the frosting with that blueberry flavor.
• 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens the frosting to just the right consistency.

Cinnamon Roll Dough

The dough is the base for the rolls. Here’s what you’ll need for that:

• 1 cup warm milk: It should be warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast.
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar: This feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
• 2½ teaspoons yeast (active dry): This will help the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
• 3½ cups plain flour (all-purpose): The main structure of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• 5 tablespoons butter: Melted to give the dough richness.
• 1 egg: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.

Variations for Homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

While the classic recipe is mouthwateringly good, there are a few ways you can customize your rolls to suit your preferences.

• Add More Fruit: If you love a fruit-packed treat, try adding other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries to the blueberry filling. They complement the blueberries beautifully.
• Use Different Spices: For a twist on the classic cinnamon roll, you can try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free: You can substitute the butter, milk, and cream cheese with vegan or dairy-free alternatives to make these rolls suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these homemade blueberry cinnamon rolls!

1. Prepare the Blueberry Jam Filling

In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The blueberries will begin to break down and release their juices. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
• Add the flour, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer or your hands, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on low speed.
• Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches in size.

4. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter.
• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
• Spread the prepared blueberry jam filling over the cinnamon sugar layer, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Roll and Slice the Dough

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Once rolled up, slice the log into 12 even pieces. You can use dental floss or a serrated knife to cut the rolls cleanly.

6. Bake the Rolls

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, leaving a little space between each roll.
• Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
• Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, blueberry jam filling, and icing sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness as needed.

8. Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls have cooled slightly (about 10-15 minutes), spread the blueberry cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each roll. Let the frosting melt into the warm rolls for that extra indulgent touch.

Serving and Decoration

These homemade blueberry cinnamon rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat. You can also garnish them with a few fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added visual appeal.

Storing Homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Unfrosted Rolls: If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Frosted Rolls: If you’ve already frosted your rolls, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The frosting may firm up in the fridge, so allow the rolls to come to room temperature before enjoying them.

Freezing Tips:

You can also freeze the unbaked rolls before baking. To do this, place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Nutrition Information (Per Roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Fat	15g
Carbs	48g
Protein	4g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	28g

Conclusion:

These Homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls are truly a treat that’s hard to beat. With their soft, pillowy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and tangy blueberry frosting, they strike the perfect balance between classic comfort food and a fresh, fruity twist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to impress everyone who tries them. Make sure to savor each warm, gooey bite!