Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

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I’ve made a lot of cinnamon rolls in my time, but nothing quite compares to these Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls. The moment I pulled them out of the oven and the scent of warm cinnamon, sweet blueberry, and buttery dough filled my kitchen, I knew I had something special. They’re tender, gooey, and swirled with a gorgeous blueberry filling that’s both fruity and vibrant. And that deep purple swirl? It’s a showstopper every time.

What I love most about these rolls is how they transform a classic comfort food into something new and exciting. The blueberry adds a tart sweetness that balances the warm spice of cinnamon beautifully. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast treat, or an indulgent dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

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Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These rolls combine the nostalgia of homemade cinnamon buns with the freshness of fruity blueberry flavor. You’ll love how the juicy berries melt into the cinnamon sugar, creating ribbons of sticky, sweet goodness. They’re impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a relaxed baking day at home.

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What Kind of Blueberries Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe—whichever you have on hand. Fresh blueberries will give you a juicier texture and more defined shape in the filling, while frozen blueberries tend to burst and blend into a jammy consistency. Just make sure to toss frozen berries with a bit of flour to absorb excess moisture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Filling: You can swap blueberries with blackberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for seasonal twists.
• Dough: Use store-bought pizza dough or crescent dough in a pinch, though homemade dough is best for texture and rise.
• Sweetener: Replace white sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Glaze: Cream cheese glaze is classic, but a lemon glaze or vanilla icing also works wonderfully with the blueberry notes.

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Ingredients for This Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• All-purpose flour – This is the base of the dough and provides the perfect structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough and balances the tartness of the blueberries.
• Instant yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Whole milk – Enriches the dough with moisture and tenderness.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor both in the dough and the filling.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Eggs – Add richness and structure to the dough.
• Blueberries – The star of the filling, providing bursts of juicy, fruity flavor.
• Brown sugar – Gives the filling its caramel-like depth and works well with the blueberries.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and a classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the blueberry filling so it doesn’t leak out.
• Cream cheese – For a tangy, creamy glaze that perfectly complements the sweet rolls.
• Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze to sweeten and thicken.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of both the glaze and the dough.

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Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk until it’s just slightly above room temperature, about 110°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 5–7 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. Allow it to cool completely before spreading on the dough.

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Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cooled blueberry filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the longer side, then cut into 12 even pieces.

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Step 4: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and touching each other.

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Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

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Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake or cool slightly, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the blueberry cinnamon rolls warm with glaze dripping down the sides. They’re best fresh but still delicious reheated. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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How Long to Prepare the Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

Making blueberry cinnamon rolls from scratch does take a bit of time, but it’s well worth the effort.

Dough Prep & First Rise: Preparing the dough and letting it rise takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The actual mixing and kneading take around 15–20 minutes, and then the dough rests to rise until doubled.

Filling, Rolling, and Second Rise: After making the blueberry filling (about 10 minutes), you’ll roll out the dough, spread the filling, shape the rolls, and let them rise again for another 30–45 minutes.

Baking and Glazing: Baking takes about 25–30 minutes, and glazing can be done immediately after baking. Altogether, you’re looking at around 3–3.5 hours from start to finish (including rising time).

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Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to help everything combine evenly and encourage a better rise.
• Don’t overfill the dough or the blueberry filling will leak out during rolling or baking.
• Roll the dough tightly so the rolls hold their shape and bake evenly.
• Let the filling cool before spreading it on the dough, or it will make the dough soggy.
• Use dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the rise time: Rushing this will lead to dense, under-proofed rolls.
• Overheating the milk: This can kill the yeast. It should be warm, not hot.
• Adding too much flour: It will make the dough dry and tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Underbaking: Check the center rolls; if they’re doughy, bake a bit longer, tenting with foil if needed.
• Applying glaze too early: Wait until the rolls are slightly cooled or the glaze may melt too much and slide off.

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What to Serve With Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

A light, citrusy fruit salad balances the richness of the rolls and adds a refreshing element.

2. Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

Adding protein to your plate helps create a more complete breakfast. Keep the eggs simple to let the rolls shine.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Creamy and tangy yogurt complements the sweetness and adds a healthy touch.

4. Hot Coffee or Cold Brew

The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with sweet blueberry rolls, enhancing their flavor.

5. Sparkling Water or Fresh Juice

Add a bit of brightness and refreshment to contrast the warm, buttery rolls.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the rolls within a day, you can store them covered at room temperature. Make sure they’re in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.

Refrigerator: Store leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a warm oven to restore their softness.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap unglazed rolls tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before adding glaze.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Roll, Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel puffy. Press your finger into it—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use store-bought dough?

You can. It won’t be quite as fluffy or flavorful as homemade, but it works well in a pinch.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

Substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze using milk and vanilla extract.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking?

Cool the filling completely and leave a small border when spreading to keep it from spilling out.

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Conclusion

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of fruity brightness and cinnamon-spiced indulgence. They’re warm, pillowy, and dripping with glaze—a perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these rolls bring comfort and flavor in every bite. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

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