Name: Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 2 – 1/4 oz packets active-dry yeast; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, melted; 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups bread flour; avocado oil or avocado oil non-stick spray (for greasing); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup blueberry jam; 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest; 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a delightful, sunshine-infused treat, this Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These rolls bring together the tangy brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice with the natural sweetness of blueberry jam, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough that rises to perfection. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, complemented by a luscious cream cheese icing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether for a weekend brunch, a special gathering, or a cozy morning at home, these sweet rolls are guaranteed to brighten your day and fill your space with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged in separate small white bowls on a white marbled surface. There are bright yellow lemon slices and lemon zest in one bowl at the top left. Melted butter is in a white bowl next to the lemon parts. A bowl with two eggs cracked open shows yellow yolks and clear whites. A bowl of fresh blueberries is placed near the bottom right. A large bowl filled with white flour sits near the center with a smaller bowl of white granulated sugar to its top right. There is a bowl of thick white yogurt or cream at the lower left side, and a clear measuring cup filled with milk below the eggs. A bowl of cubed butter shows soft yellow chunks near the center top. A small bowl of dry yeast and another one with salt are also present, along with a bowl of dark blueberry jam with a spoon on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe relies on a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal — from the creamy richness of butter to the fresh zip of lemon zest and the vibrant sweetness of blueberry jam.

Whole milk: Provides the necessary moisture and helps activate the yeast for a tender dough.
Active-dry yeast: The secret to that beautiful rise and fluffy texture in your rolls.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast to encourage proper fermentation.
Butter (melted and softened): Enhances richness and moistness both in the dough and the filling.
Egg + egg yolk: Contributes to the dough’s structure and adds a lovely golden color.
Lemon zest: Bursts with flavor, bringing fresh citrus brightness to the dough and filling.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
Bread flour: Gives the rolls their chewy and satisfying texture with the right gluten content.
Avocado oil/non-stick spray: Keeps the dough from sticking and helps with an easy cleanup.
Blueberry jam: The star of the filling that pairs beautifully with lemon’s tartness.
Cream cheese: Creates a velvety, tangy icing to top off each roll.
Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile in the icing.
Lemon juice: Enhances the icing’s citrus kick for a fresh finish.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by warming your milk to 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, and watch as it foams — a sure sign it’s alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing happens after about five minutes, don’t hesitate to start over with fresh yeast. Next, stir in the melted butter, whole egg, and egg yolk, giving the mixture a good whisk to blend the ingredients together.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the lemon zest, salt, and bread flour to your liquid mixture. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir until a thick, shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky and soft, which is exactly what you want at this stage. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate every bit of flour — this ensures a consistent dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for 8-10 minutes. The goal is to develop elasticity and smoothness, so work until the dough feels soft but not sticky, adding small amounts of flour if necessary. This is where the magic of gluten development happens, creating the perfect structure for your rolls.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough will almost double in size as the yeast ferments and creates air bubbles, which is a key to those tender, airy rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release trapped air. Shape it into a rough rectangle, then roll it out to a 20×16 inch sheet about 1/4 inch thick. This provides the perfect canvas for layering your luscious filling.

Step 6: Add the Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then mix the blueberry jam with additional lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus brightness. Spread this mixture evenly to ensure every bite bursts with fruity, tangy goodness.

Step 7: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a parchment-lined 9×13 casserole dish, giving each roll a bit of room to expand as they rise again.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a tea towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes. They should puff up nicely, almost doubling their size, signaling they are ready to bake.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Pop your rolls into a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a lovely light golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool briefly before icing.

Step 10: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

Whip together cream cheese, softened butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fluffy and smooth. This icing is the crowning glory of the Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe — creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.

Step 11: Ice and Garnish

Spread the luscious icing over the slightly cooled rolls and sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon zest on top for an added burst of color and flavor. Now your rolls are ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish lined with crumpled white parchment paper holding twelve raw spiral rolls arranged close together. Each roll has two visible layers: the outer dough layer is pale cream with a smooth, soft texture, and inside, a dark purple berry filling creates a thin, uneven spiral swirl in the center of each roll. Some rolls have more filling gathered in spots, adding a slightly glossy, sticky look. The twists of dough and filling contrast sharply, showing clear spiral shapes, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe pop visually and palatably, fresh lemon zest is your best friend. It adds a beautiful sparkle and aromatic citrus note that complements the frosting perfectly. A handful of fresh blueberries can also bring a lovely pop of color and freshness to the presentation.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls are a star on their own, but pairing them with a light, crisp salad or a small bowl of fresh fruit adds balance to your meal. A hot cup of tea or coffee is the perfect companion, complementing the sweet and tangy flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a bright linen cloth for a farmhouse-style brunch. Alternatively, place each roll in a mini cupcake liner for individual servings at a party or brunch gathering. You can even drizzle a little extra lemon glaze over the top just before serving for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They will stay soft and delicious, but if you want to extend their life, refrigeration is an option, although it may slightly dry them out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead treat. Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To refresh your rolls, warm them in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 10-15 minutes or microwave a single roll for about 20 seconds. Add a quick dollop of cream cheese icing after reheating to recapture that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of blueberry jam?

While fresh or frozen blueberries can be appealing, blueberry jam provides the right consistency and sweetness that helps the filling spread evenly. Using fresh berries might result in a runnier filling that affects the roll’s structure.

Do I have to use bread flour, or can all-purpose flour work?

Bread flour is preferred because of its higher protein content, which helps create the chewy texture typical of sweet rolls. All-purpose flour can work, but the rolls may turn out a bit softer and less chewy.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A stand mixer equipped with a dough hook is a great way to knead the dough with less effort. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises are key to achieving those soft, fluffy rolls with great volume. The first rise develops flavor and texture, while the second allows the shaped rolls to become light and airy before baking.

Can I substitute cream cheese icing for a simple glaze?

You can, but the cream cheese icing adds a wonderful tang and richness that complements the lemon and blueberry flavors perfectly. A simple lemon glaze would work if you prefer something lighter but won’t have the same depth.

Final Thoughts

Making the Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Recipe is truly a rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and your heart with joy as you bite into those tender, fruity, tangy layers. It’s a perfect recipe to share with loved ones or to treat yourself on any special day. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!