Blueberry Cream Cheese Rolls: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

Blueberry cream cheese rolls, a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors swirled into a pillowy soft dough, are about to become your new favorite weekend treat! Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked roll, the creamy filling oozing out, perfectly complementing the burst of juicy blueberries. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about them!

While the exact origins of cream cheese rolls are a bit hazy, the concept of sweet rolls has been around for centuries, evolving across different cultures. The addition of cream cheese, a distinctly American innovation, elevates these rolls to a whole new level of decadence. Think of them as a delightful cousin to the classic cinnamon roll, but with a brighter, fruitier twist.

What makes blueberry cream cheese rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly chewy dough provides a comforting base, while the creamy, tangy filling adds a luxurious richness. The blueberries, of course, provide a burst of freshness and a delightful sweetness that cuts through the richness. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a cozy brunch or a special dessert. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110-115°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
• For the Blueberry Swirl:
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• For the Butter Wash:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s get started with the dough! This is the foundation of our delicious blueberry cream cheese rolls, so we want to make sure we get it right. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed before we add the wet ingredients.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes, or until it gets foamy. This is how we know the yeast is alive and kicking! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh packet.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, mix on low speed.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating all those lovely air pockets that will make our rolls light and fluffy.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling:

While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that creamy, dreamy filling. This is what makes these rolls so incredibly decadent!

1. Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps.
2. Add Egg Yolk and Flavorings: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined. The lemon zest adds a lovely brightness that complements the cream cheese and blueberries perfectly.
3. Set Aside: Cover the bowl and set aside until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.

Preparing the Blueberry Swirl:

Now for the star of the show: the blueberry swirl! This adds a burst of fruity flavor and beautiful color to our rolls.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Cook the Blueberries: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch helps to create a nice, jammy consistency.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let the blueberry mixture cool slightly before using. You don’t want it to be too hot, or it will melt the cream cheese filling.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Let’s put everything together and get these rolls in the oven.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Cream Cheese Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
3. Spoon the Blueberry Swirl: Spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
5. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (my personal favorite!), cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the filling from squishing out.
6. Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
7. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
8. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the Rolls: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
10. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:

No cream cheese roll is complete without a generous drizzle of cream cheese glaze! This adds the perfect finishing touch.

1. Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
2. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the rolls but thin enough to drizzle easily.
3. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the blueberry cream cheese rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These blueberry cream cheese rolls are truly something special. From the tangy cream cheese filling to the burst of sweet blueberries nestled in a soft, pillowy dough, every bite is a little piece of heaven. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one – you absolutely *need* to try this recipe. What makes these rolls a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight tang of the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness of the blueberries, while the dough provides a comforting, familiar base. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the yeast intimidate you; I’ve broken down the steps so even a beginner baker can achieve delicious results. Forget store-bought pastries; these homemade rolls are in a league of their own. They are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even just a sweet treat to brighten up your day. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or you could drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Looking for variations? Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. Or, swap out the blueberries for other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Chopped pecans or walnuts would also add a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. You could even add a streusel topping for extra sweetness and texture. The possibilities are endless! These blueberry cream cheese rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re a chance to slow down, enjoy the process of baking, and create something truly delicious to share with loved ones (or keep all to yourself – I won’t judge!). So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. I promise you won’t regret it. Once you’ve tried these rolls, you’ll be making them again and again. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? Did your family and friends enjoy them? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade blueberry cream cheese rolls! I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Print