Description

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of tart blueberries and bright lemon zest, especially when they come together in the comforting swirl of a cinnamon roll. These Blueberry Lemon Cinnamon Rolls are a vibrant twist on a beloved classic, making them perfect for springtime brunches, lazy Sunday mornings, or a special celebration with loved ones.

Picture this: the aroma of sweet cinnamon filling your kitchen, the tangy scent of lemon glaze wafting as it drizzles over the warm rolls, and the irresistible pop of blueberries in every bite. These rolls are a feast for the senses, blending soft, pillowy dough with the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a treat that looks as stunning as it tastes. Trust me—these rolls are worth every moment of effort, and they’ll quickly become a favorite for anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 (1/4-oz) packets active dry yeast (4.5 teaspoons)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

For the Blueberry Filling

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Filling

4 tablespoons softened butter
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe cup, gently warm the buttermilk and sugar to 100-110°F (lukewarm, not hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, flour, and salt. Use the dough hook to mix until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling

Combine blueberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries soften (about 5 minutes). Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 13×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the blueberry compote over the cinnamon layer and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Adjust the consistency with a little more juice or sugar, if needed.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Blueberry Options: Fresh blueberries are ideal for the filling, but frozen blueberries work just as well. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before cooking the compote, as they may release too much liquid.
Zest is Best: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds a burst of bright flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries perfectly.
Baking Evenness: If the tops of the rolls are browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Customizable Glaze: For a slightly creamier topping, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the glaze. Whisk until smooth and drizzle as usual.
Make Ahead Tip: For easy morning baking, assemble the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.