Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, indulgent treat that combines sweet, fruity freshness with comforting spice, this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking rotation. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls generously studded with juicy blueberries, all topped with a luxuriously creamy cheesecake frosting that melts into every bite. This recipe delivers that perfect balance between classic cinnamon roll richness and a burst of fresh fruitiness, crafting a morning or brunch experience that feels both familiar and exciting. You’ll love how easy these rolls come together and how they fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these delightful rolls is surprisingly simple, thanks to pantry staples and fresh blueberries that lend natural sweetness and a beautiful touch of color. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender dough to the velvety frosting that finishes the rolls with a perfect creamy drizzle.

• 1 cup warm milk: The warm milk activates the yeast, aiding in a soft and fluffy dough.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Essential for making the dough rise and become light and airy.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for the yeast mixture): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Incorporates richness and tenderness into the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein for structure.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing substance.
• 1 cup fresh blueberries: Bursts of juicy fruit that brighten each roll.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the cinnamon filling that deep molasses sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon: The quintessential spice that fills the rolls with warm aroma.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Used for brushing to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add moisture.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the rich, tangy base for the frosting.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds silkiness and body to the frosting.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic finish to the frosting’s flavor.

How to Make Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk along with a teaspoon of sugar. This warm environment encourages the yeast to froth up, signaling it’s alive and ready to work its magic. Waiting for that frothy top is crucial as it ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Mix in the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to your yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, stirring until the dough starts to form. When it’s soft but not sticky, knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic — this develops the gluten and gives your rolls that perfect chewy texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it to rest in a warm spot. As it doubles in size over the next hour, the dough develops flavor and lightness. This step can’t be rushed if you want those pillowy rolls everyone will rave over!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough

Mix the brown sugar with cinnamon for that iconic filling. Roll out your dough into a large rectangle, then brush it generously with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top followed by fresh blueberries. Press the berries lightly into the dough so they stay put during rolling and baking.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Begin rolling the dough tightly from the long edge. Once rolled, pinch the seam shut and slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Using unscented dental floss for cutting is a clever trick—it lets you slice clean edges without squishing the dough.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes. This final proof makes sure your rolls bake into fluffier, more tender morsels.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Pop your rolls into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. If you notice the tops browning too fast, tent lightly with foil to avoid burning while the centers finish baking through.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This dreamy frosting will be the crown jewel of your cinnamon rolls.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm so it melts into every crevice. The contrast of warm rolls and cool creamy frosting makes every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, consider sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar or a few extra fresh blueberries on top after frosting. A tiny sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls.

Side Dishes

Blueberry cinnamon rolls shine brightest as a standalone treat but pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast. A small bowl of Greek yogurt with honey on the side offers a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe, or plate individual rolls in pretty ramekins for a personal touch. You could even layer a few squares of the rolls in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra blueberries for a fun brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover blueberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container to keep them soft and moist. Stored at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, but refrigeration can extend this to 4-5 days without losing too much tenderness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise by tightly wrapping the baking dish in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let come to room temperature, and bake as directed. Baked rolls can also be frozen and reheated successfully.

Reheating

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. For best results, add a splash of water on a small plate in the microwave to keep them moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dough to avoid extra moisture that could make the rolls soggy.

Is it okay to substitute cream cheese frosting with another topping?

You can certainly try a vanilla glaze or even a simple powdered sugar dusting. However, the cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the cinnamon and blueberries with its tangy richness.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make it vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter and replace eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives. Swap cream cheese frosting for a coconut cream-based frosting for a dairy-free finish.

How long can the dough rise for the first and second times?

Usually about 1 hour for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second, but dough can often handle longer rises as long as it’s kept warm. Just don’t let it overproof or the texture can suffer.

What is the best way to get clean cuts for the rolls?

Using unscented dental floss without a mint flavor is genius—it slices through the dough smoothly without squashing the roll shape like a knife might.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. The mix of sweet blueberries, aromatic cinnamon, and luscious cream cheese frosting brings such joy to your morning or any special occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake yourself some love today!

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