Lemon Blueberry Rolls – Soft, Fruity Sweet Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of tart lemon and juicy blueberries, especially when wrapped in a soft, buttery roll. Lemon Blueberry Rolls take everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls and give it a fruity, refreshing twist. Bursting with a homemade blueberry filling and topped with a silky lemon cream cheese icing, these sweet rolls are a taste of summer in every bite.

Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or weekend baking projects, these rolls blend a cloud-soft dough with layers of zesty lemon and berry sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying yeast dough for the first time, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress.

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The Essence of Lemon Blueberry Rolls

A Fruity Take on Classic Sweet Rolls

Traditional cinnamon rolls are all about warm spices, but Lemon Blueberry Rolls replace that coziness with vibrant, sunny flavors. Each roll is swirled with thick, jammy blueberry filling that caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a rich contrast against the fluffy, lemon-scented dough. Once baked, a drizzle of tangy lemon cream cheese icing ties everything together, striking the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

The flavor profile is light and refreshing, making it ideal for spring and summer breakfasts—or even special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day.

Soft, Fluffy, and Foolproof Dough

The dough for Lemon Blueberry Rolls is based on a classic enriched yeast dough—softened with butter, enriched with milk and egg, and infused with bright lemon zest. This combination ensures the rolls stay light and tender, with a slight chew. Even if you’re new to yeast baking, this recipe is easy to follow and nearly fail-proof. The secret? Letting the dough rise twice for extra fluffiness and using instant yeast for a reliable lift.

A Blueberry Filling That Stays Perfectly Jammy

Unlike simple fruit spreads, this recipe uses a quick homemade blueberry jam. Fresh blueberries are simmered with sugar and a touch of lemon juice until thick and glossy. Once cooled, the filling spreads beautifully without leaking or making the dough soggy. As the rolls bake, the blueberry filling bubbles gently and creates ribbons of berry flavor throughout each swirl.

Lemon Cream Cheese Icing: The Finishing Touch

To top it off, these rolls are finished with a lemon cream cheese icing—a luscious blend of cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. The icing melts slightly over the warm rolls, soaking into every layer for a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Blueberry Rolls

• Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
• Bursting with real blueberry flavor
• Fresh lemon zest and juice for brightness
• Easy to make ahead and freeze
• A perfect treat for brunch or holidays

Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or reheat them for breakfast the next day, these rolls deliver pure comfort with a refreshing twist.

Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Each element of Lemon Blueberry Rolls contributes to their soft texture and vibrant flavor. You’ll prepare three main parts: the dough, the filling, and the icing.

For the Dough

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2 ¾ cups (344g)	Gives structure and softness
Granulated sugar	¼ cup (50g)	Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness
Salt	½ teaspoon	Balances the flavors
Lemon zest	1 teaspoon	Infuses dough with citrus aroma
Whole milk	¾ cup (180ml)	Adds moisture and richness
Unsalted butter	3 tablespoons (43g)	Ensures a soft, tender crumb
Instant yeast	2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)	Helps the dough rise perfectly
Egg (room temperature)	1 large	Adds richness and structure

For the Blueberry Filling

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Fresh blueberries	1 ¼ cups (170g)	Main fruit component
Granulated sugar	6 tablespoons (75g)	Sweetens the filling
Lemon juice	1 teaspoon	Enhances tartness and thickens the jam

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Cream cheese (softened)	4 ounces (113g)	Creates the smooth base
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 tablespoon (14g)	Adds creaminess
Confectioners’ sugar	¾ cup (90g)	Sweetens the icing
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons (30ml)	Adds bright, tangy flavor
Optional garnish	Lemon zest or slices	Adds a decorative touch

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Follow these detailed steps to create soft, fluffy rolls filled with bright, jammy flavor.

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
2. Warm milk and butter in a small saucepan or microwave until the butter melts and the mixture is around 110°F (43°C).
3. Whisk in the yeast until dissolved, then pour the liquid into the dry ingredients.
4. Add the egg and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 3–5 minutes, until smooth and slightly tacky.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Blueberry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and pressing berries against the sides until thick and jam-like (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.

3. Shape and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread the cooled blueberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 9–12 even pieces.
4. Place rolls in a greased 9-inch square or round baking pan.

4. Second Rise

1. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy and doubled in size.

5. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 24–25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, tent them with foil.
3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the icing.

6. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice, and beat until creamy.
3. Spread over warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the swirls.

Substitutions and Make-Ahead Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Milk: Substitute with buttermilk or any plant-based milk. Buttermilk adds a lovely tang.
• Blueberries: Use fresh berries for best results; frozen berries may release too much liquid.
• Yeast: Both instant and active dry yeast work, though active dry yeast requires longer rise time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Overnight Option:
Prepare the rolls through shaping (before the second rise), cover, and refrigerate overnight for up to 12 hours. In the morning, let them rise for 1 hour before baking.

Freezing Option:
Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes.

Baking Tip

For perfect texture, ensure your dough is slightly soft but not sticky, and always allow full rising time—this is the secret to pillowy rolls!

Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas for Lemon Blueberry Rolls

The beauty of Lemon Blueberry Rolls is their versatility. Whether you’re preparing them for brunch, a family breakfast, or a summer dessert, they can easily be customized to suit your preferences.

1. Lemon Raspberry Rolls

Swap the blueberries for raspberries to create a tangier version. The raspberries’ natural acidity pairs beautifully with the lemon cream cheese icing, giving a bright, berry-filled finish.

2. Glazed Lemon Rolls (No Blueberries)

If you’re short on blueberries, you can skip the filling and instead roll the dough with a thin layer of butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Once baked, drizzle generously with lemon glaze for a simple yet elegant pastry.

3. Lemon Blueberry Rolls with Crumb Topping

Before baking, sprinkle a light crumb topping made from flour, sugar, and butter. This adds extra crunch and a bakery-style finish.

4. Vegan Lemon Blueberry Rolls

To make the recipe fully plant-based, use vegan butter, almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cream cheese. The flavor remains just as bright and delicious.

5. Mini Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Cut the dough into smaller pieces before baking for bite-sized versions perfect for parties, potlucks, or breakfast buffets.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Blueberry Rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven when the icing slightly melts into the rolls. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• With a hot cup of coffee or iced latte for brunch.
• Alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast.
• As a dessert topped with whipped cream or lemon zest curls.
• Warmed slightly and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

They’re versatile enough to serve at baby showers, Easter brunches, or cozy weekend mornings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Unfrosted rolls can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Frosted rolls last up to 5 days when stored tightly covered.
Freezer: Rolls can be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight and reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes until soft and warm.

Pro Tip: Always reheat before serving to restore their original softness and let the icing slightly melt for that just-baked flavor.

FAQ about Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Conclusion: A Sweet and Tangy Treat for Every Occasion

Lemon Blueberry Rolls bring together the best of both worlds—soft, buttery dough and bright, fruity flavor. Each bite bursts with tangy lemon and juicy blueberries, perfectly balanced by a creamy icing that melts right into the warm rolls.

They’re proof that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you make them for a weekend brunch or a special celebration, these rolls will always steal the spotlight. Once you’ve tried them, you might never look at traditional cinnamon rolls the same way again.

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