Description
These Blueberry Sweet Rolls are a delightful breakfast or brunch treat featuring a soft, tender dough filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and vibrant blueberry compote. Twisted into knots and baked to golden perfection, they are finished with a buttery honey glaze and a luscious blueberry-lemon icing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 100 to 110°F
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 to 3 1/4 cups bread flour
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Blueberry Compote
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- All blueberry compote (reserve 1 tablespoon for icing)
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Honey for brushing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon reserved blueberry compote
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warmed whole milk (100 to 110°F), active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Whisk lightly and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the large egg and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Gradually add bread flour (3 to 3 1/4 cups) and kosher salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a dough hook on a stand mixer until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Add up to 1/4 cup additional bread flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
- Make Compote: While the dough rises, combine frozen blueberries, orange or lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. Lightly mash the berries with a fork and remove from heat. Allow to cool completely, reserving 1 tablespoon for the icing.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
- Prep Pan: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll Dough: Once doubled, place dough on a floured surface and roll into a 12 x 20 inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then spoon the blueberry compote evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Fold Dough: Fold the dough in thirds lengthwise like a letter, then lightly roll to flatten. Fold again from short end to short end and gently roll into a 16 x 8 inch rectangle.
- Cut and Shape: Cut the dough into 8 equal strips. Make three slits lengthwise down each strip, leaving about 1 inch uncut at each end. Twist each strip and tie into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last minutes of rising.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush the warm rolls with melted unsalted butter and lightly brush with honey.
- Make Icing: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, reserved blueberry compote, and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Ensure milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Frozen blueberries work well for the compote and provide consistent flavor year-round.
- Adjust flour quantity slightly depending on humidity and flour brand to achieve a soft but workable dough.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off excessively.
- Brush with honey adds a nice shine and extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American