I absolutely adore baking and sharing my Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it combines the fluffy richness of homemade rolls with the bright, juicy burst of blueberries and the silky smoothness of cream cheese frosting. This recipe has become a personal favorite for morning treats, weekend brunches, or even a cozy afternoon snack, and I’m thrilled to share exactly how you can create these irresistible rolls yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out for me is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The tender, pillowy rolls melt in your mouth, while the vibrant blueberry filling offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and tanginess. Then, there’s the cream cheese frosting—rich, creamy, and just lightly sweetened—which ties everything together beautifully. Every bite feels like a warm hug infused with juicy bursts of blueberry goodness.
I also love how rewarding the process is without being overwhelming. The tangzhong method ensures the rolls stay super soft and fresh longer, and the step-by-step instructions make the dough easy to handle, even if you’re new to baking bread. This recipe is perfect for special occasions like brunch with friends, holiday mornings, or just pouring a cup of coffee and treating yourself any day of the week. Honestly, once you try these rolls, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color to your blueberry rolls. The quality and freshness of ingredients like whole milk and bread flour really shine through in the final product.
- Whole milk (100 g + 130 g at 25℃/77℉): Provides moisture and richness to both the tangzhong and dough for soft rolls.
- Bread flour (20 g for tangzhong + 360 g for dough): Gives your rolls that ideal chewy texture and proper gluten development.
- Sugar (50 g for dough + 125 g for filling): Adds just the right sweetness and feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
- Instant dry yeast (7 g): Ensures a reliable and fluffy rise every time.
- Salt (5 g in dough + tiny pinch in frosting): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Egg (1 large, room temp): Contributes to richness and helps with the dough’s structure.
- Unsalted butter (85 g softened for dough + 25 g softened for frosting): Makes the dough tender and the frosting silky.
- Frozen blueberries (250 g): The star of the show, bursting with juicy flavor in the filling.
- Lemon juice (2 tsp): Adds brightness and enhances the blueberry’s natural tartness.
- Cream cheese (100 g full fat): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that complements the sweet rolls perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (100 g sifted): Ensures a smooth, creamy frosting without any grit.
- Vanilla paste (1/4 tsp): Adds depth and a warm aroma to the frosting.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the tangzhong by combining 100 g whole milk and 20 g bread flour in a small pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Be patient—the thickened mixture is key to keeping the rolls soft.
Step 2: Transfer the hot tangzhong to a bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to stop a skin forming. Let it cool completely to room temperature before moving on.
Step 3: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix 360 g bread flour, 50 g sugar, 7 g instant dry yeast, 5 g salt, 1 large room temperature egg, 130 g whole milk (at 25℃/77℉), and all of the cooled tangzhong.
Step 4: Knead the dough on low to medium speed for about 10 minutes until combined and elastic.
Step 5: Gradually add softened unsalted butter (85 g), one cube at a time, while continuing to knead. This step takes around 10–20 minutes in total. Watch for the dough to become smooth, elastic, and to pass the window-pane test—a thin, translucent membrane when stretched.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a clean bowl lightly greased with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof at about 77 °F (25°C) for 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Step 7: Make the blueberry filling by combining 250 g frozen blueberries, 125 g granulated sugar, and 2 tsp lemon juice in a pot. Simmer over medium-low heat, mashing occasionally, until thick and jam-like (test by tracing a line on the bottom of the pot). Let cool.
Step 8: For a smooth filling, press it through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, but this is optional depending on your texture preference.
Step 9: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the proofed dough into a 16×16 inch (40×40 cm) rectangle. Spread the cooled blueberry filling evenly over the dough.
Step 10: Roll the dough tightly from one edge into a log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice it into 9 equal rolls.
Step 11: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and proof again at 77 °F (25°C) for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 12: Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (180℃).
Step 13: Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and the internal temperature hits 200°F (95°C). Remove and cool slightly before frosting.
Step 14: Whip 100 g cream cheese and 25 g softened butter with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add 100 g sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla paste, continuing to whip until smooth. Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 15: Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm blueberry rolls, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe makes 9 delicious rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is approximately 40 minutes, but including the tangzhong cooling, dough proofing, and baking, expect the total time to be about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Most of that is waiting and proofing, so you can use that time to prepare a wonderful coffee or tea to accompany the rolls. Baking time itself is around 25–30 minutes, and I recommend letting the rolls cool for 10–15 minutes before frosting.
How to Serve This Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
When I serve these blueberry rolls, I love presenting them warm so the cream cheese frosting is slightly melty and indulgent. They’re perfect on their own, but if I’m looking to elevate the experience, I’ll pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on the side. A simple garnish of a few fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch on the plate.
These rolls shine during weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. I often enjoy serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light cucumber and mint-infused water to balance the richness. For beverages, a cup of black tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a mimosa complements the sweet and tangy flavors. I’ve even served them at afternoon tea parties where they are always the star of the spread.
If you want to get a little creative, slice one roll and toast the pieces lightly; they make fantastic little bites with a dab of extra cream cheese or your favorite fruit preserves. In terms of portion size, one roll per person is quite satisfying, but they are so good you’ll find guests often want seconds!
Variations
I love experimenting with this Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can substitute frozen blueberries with fresh mixed berries like raspberries or blackberries for a seasonal twist that still works wonderfully in the filling.
For those on gluten-free diets, I recommend using a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend and adding a little xanthan gum to mimic the dough’s elasticity. Vegan bakers can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like oat milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. The cream cheese frosting can easily be made vegan using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and it tastes just as indulgent.
In terms of cooking methods, I’ve also tried baking the rolls in a cast-iron skillet for a slightly crispier edge and rustic presentation. You could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note or mix lemon zest into the filling for an extra pop of freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover blueberry rolls (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. If you need them to last a bit longer, placing them in the fridge wrapped tightly with plastic wrap will keep them fresh for 4–5 days, but be mindful they might firm up a bit.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked rolls before frosting by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before frosting.
Reheating
For the best taste, I recommend reheating the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the rolls rubbery. Once warmed, add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese frosting, and they’ll taste like freshly baked again!
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well for this recipe. If using fresh, you may want to add a little extra lemon juice or sugar depending on their natural sweetness to get the perfect jam-like consistency.
What is tangzhong and why is it important in this recipe?
Tangzhong is a cooked flour and water mixture that you add to your dough to keep the rolls incredibly soft and moist for longer. It’s a simple step that dramatically improves texture and shelf life, making these rolls taste freshly baked even the next day.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
Yes, you can! It will just take a bit more elbow grease to knead by hand, about 15–20 minutes. The key is to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic and passes the window-pane test, so don’t rush this part.
Is the cream cheese frosting necessary, or can I serve the rolls plain?
While the rolls are delicious on their own, the cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful creamy tang that elevates the whole experience. You can certainly serve them plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer something lighter.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden on top and, ideally, reach an internal temperature of 200°F (95°C). You can check this with a kitchen thermometer. The rolls should spring back slightly when touched, indicating they’re done.
Conclusion
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Blueberry Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as much as I do. It’s a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough, luscious blueberry filling, and creamy frosting that brings so much warmth and joy to any table. Take your time with the steps, have fun in the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something special—you deserve it!
