The moment I pulled these Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls from the oven, the sweet, tangy scent enveloped my kitchen like a warm hug. Fresh blueberries and zesty lemon always bring a burst of sunshine to my mornings, but when you wrap them into fluffy, homemade dough and add a creamy filling, it’s an experience worth savoring.
Picture this: you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch with loved ones, and these delightful rolls are the centerpiece of the table. They’re not just a feast for the eyes but also a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. As you break into one, the luscious cream cheese filling oozes out, mingling perfectly with the burst of blueberries.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your breakfast routine, these rolls ensure you never settle for ordinary again. Grab your apron because we’re about to dive into this easy, delicious recipe that will surely become a cherished favorite!
Why are Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls so special?
Simple, yet Sophisticated: These rolls showcase a balance of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion.
Irresistible Creaminess: The cream cheese filling combines beautifully with fresh blueberries for a lush experience in every bite.
Bright Citrus Flavor: Each roll is infused with zesty lemon that elevates the taste, ensuring they’re refreshingly fruity and delicious.
Easily Customizable: Swap out blueberry jam for your favorite fruit jam for a unique twist—but make sure to try the original first!
Perfect for Sharing: Wow your friends and family during brunch; these rolls are sure to steal the spotlight on any table.
You can even prepare blueberry jam ahead for convenience! Don’t miss making these stunning Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls; they may just become your new go-to treat!
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls Ingredients
For the Blueberry Jam
• Blueberries – Fresh or frozen, essential for the fruity filling.
• White Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; substitute with less sweet alternatives if preferred.
• Cornstarch – A thickener for blueberry jam; essential for achieving the right texture.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
• Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess for the filling; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Lemon Zest & Juice – Adds a fresh, tangy flavor; fresh lemons provide the best taste.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the icing while giving it a smooth glaze texture.
• Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness; be sure to use fine salt for even distribution.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavors; almond extract can be used as a substitute.
For the Dough
• Whole Milk – Hydrates the dough, making it tender; almond milk is a good dairy-free substitute.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Large Eggs – Acts as a binder; substitutes can work for a vegan version.
• Instant Yeast (or Regular Yeast) – The leavening agent; follow instructions carefully based on the type used.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the rolls; gluten-free flour can be tried, but texture may vary.
• Sea Salt – Adds flavor and balances the sweetness.
For Baking
• Cream or Half-and-Half – Pour over the rolls before baking for extra moisture and flavor.
These Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls are not just delightful but customizable to your liking! Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls
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Make the Blueberry Jam: In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and cook over medium heat until thickened. Add a cornstarch slurry, then remove from heat and let it cool.
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Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, powdered sugar, sea salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Mix Dough: In a large bowl, mix sugar, lemon zest, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, sea salt, yeast, and vanilla until combined. Gradually add all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
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Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.
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Shape Rolls: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly and top it with the cooled blueberry jam. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
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Proof Rolls: Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed and fluffy.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour cream over the rolls, then bake for 35-40 minutes until they are golden brown and fully baked.
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Make Icing: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve your desired consistency.
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Drizzle Icing: After removing the rolls from the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls for a sweet finish.
Optional: Dust with additional lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls?
Looking to create a delightful brunch experience around these fluffy pastries? Here are some fantastic ideas that will elevate your meal!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness, perfectly complementing the citrusy flavors of the rolls.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with honey and granola, this creamy yogurt adds texture and pairs nicely with the sweet blueberry jam.
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Herbed Scrambled Eggs: The savory taste of fluffy and cheesy eggs balances the sweetness of the rolls, making for a well-rounded breakfast.
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Cranberry Juice Mimosa: Sparkling and refreshing, this drink enhances the fruity essence of the rolls while adding fun to your brunch table.
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Honey Butter: Whipped honey butter drizzled on warm rolls creates an irresistible combination, making every bite even more indulgent.
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Iced Coffee or Tea: The refreshing notes of coffee or tea offer a great contrast to the warm, sweet rolls, making them a perfect pairing.
Imagine your loved ones gathered around, enjoying these lovely combinations, every bite bursting with flavor and happiness.
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize these rolls with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
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Berry Medley: Use a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a tangy twist that will keep everyone guessing.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle cinnamon into the dough before rolling to add a delightful warmth and aromatic spice.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk in the dough for a vegan-friendly option.
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Almond Bliss: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor that wonderfully complements the lemon.
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Zesty Orange: Use orange juice and zest in place of lemon to craft a refreshing citrus variation.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the icing for a luxurious and decadent finish.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese filling for extra texture and flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the blueberry jam for a surprising hint of heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Expert Tips for Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls
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Prepare Jam Ahead: Make your blueberry jam a day in advance to save time and enhance the flavors of your rolls.
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Mind the Cream: Adjust the amount of pouring cream; too much can make your rolls soggy while adding just enough keeps them deliciously moist.
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Cool Before Icing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling icing on top to prevent it from melting away and losing that beautiful glaze.
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Proper Dough Consistency: When mixing the dough, ensure it’s soft but not sticky; adding too much flour can result in dense rolls instead of fluffy Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls.
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Watch Bake Time: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking; ovens vary, and you want them golden brown, not overbaked.
Storage Tips for Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls
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Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their softness.
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Fridge: Keep any remaining rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve freshness but may lead to slight dryness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first.
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Reheating: Enjoy the rolls warm by microwaving for about 30 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their fluffiness.
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their deliciousness with less time spent in the kitchen! You can make the blueberry jam up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which prevents it from losing any vibrant flavor. Additionally, the cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead as well—just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. When you’re set to bake, simply roll out the dough, fill it, and let it rise before baking for 35-40 minutes. These tips ensure you enjoy the same scrumptious results, making your busy mornings a breeze!
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of blueberries should I use for the rolls?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for these rolls. Fresh blueberries will provide a burst of juiciness, while frozen ones are great for convenience. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw; just add them directly to the filling for a fantastic fruity flavor.
How should I store leftover Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls?
To keep your rolls fresh, store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember, refrigeration may cause them to dry out a bit!
Can I freeze these rolls?
Very! To freeze your Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re craving a warm roll, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Oh no! If your dough isn’t rising, check your yeast’s expiration date; it could be dormant. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) when adding yeast. If you’re using instant yeast, there’s typically no need to let it sit before mixing. For a reliable rise, allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free area—this makes all the difference!
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re making these rolls for someone with dietary restrictions, there are several adjustments you can make. You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk to replace whole milk, making it dairy-free. For egg-free options, consider using flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. Just be sure to check that all ingredients meet their dietary needs!
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls: Your New Brunch Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and cook over medium heat until thickened. Add a cornstarch slurry, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, powdered sugar, sea salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, lemon zest, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, sea salt, yeast, and vanilla until combined. Gradually add all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly and top it with the cooled blueberry jam. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
- Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed and fluffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour cream over the rolls, then bake for 35-40 minutes until they are golden brown and fully baked.
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve your desired consistency.
- After removing the rolls from the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls for a sweet finish.