Lemon Blueberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Delight in these luscious Lemon Blueberry Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a tangy lemon filling and vibrant blueberry jam. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy lemon-blueberry cream cheese frosting, these sweet rolls are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion treat.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast; Dessert; Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Blueberry Jam
- 12 oz (340 g) frozen blueberries
- 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp corn starch
Dough
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
- 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (20 g) lemon zest (about 2 lemons zested)
Lemon Filling
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tbsp (20 g) lemon zest (about 2 lemons zested)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Assembly & Baking
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature (for pouring in between the rolls)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest (about ½ lemon zested)
- 2 tbsp blueberry jam from above
- Make the Blueberry Jam: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine frozen blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and yield measures about 3/4 cup (180 ml). Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and allow to cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
- Bloom the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and warmed milk (about 110°F). Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy on top, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk together flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add whisked eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and softened butter; mix to combine. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until blended.
- Knead the Dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7 to 10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, forms a smooth ball, and springs back when pressed. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased large bowl, and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula. Then spoon and spread the prepared blueberry jam evenly over the lemon filling.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the side closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a long log. Trim ends for evenness, then cut into 12 rolls approximately 1 ½ inches wide using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Place rolls evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour room temperature heavy cream between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and proof in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: 15 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the risen rolls for 22-25 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown on top.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While baking, beat softened butter in a medium bowl on high speed until pale and fluffy. Add cold cream cheese and mix on medium speed until smooth. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined.
- Finish Frosting: Add lemon zest and reserved blueberry jam to the frosting. Mix on low to combine, then increase speed to high until fluffy and well blended.
- Serve: Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes after baking. Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Warming the milk to around 110°F is essential to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use unflavored floss or a very sharp knife to cut the dough rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Pouring heavy cream between the rolls before baking keeps them moist and tender.
- Letting the rolls cool slightly before frosting prevents the cream cheese icing from melting completely.
- The reserved blueberry jam enhances the frosting with a fresh fruit flavor and pretty speckles.
- Ensure the dough is well kneaded to develop gluten, resulting in light and fluffy rolls.
Keywords: Lemon rolls, blueberry rolls, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls, lemon blueberry pastry, homemade rolls, breakfast rolls, dessert rolls