When life hands you lemons… make Lemon Blueberry Rolls! These delightful rolls are bursting with fresh lemon zest, blueberry jam, and topped with creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a sweet afternoon indulgence, or something to brighten up your dessert table, these rolls deliver. With their soft dough and a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, they’re bound to become a family favorite.
Even better, they’re egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making them a great option for various dietary needs. Plus, while they might look like something out of a fancy bakery, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
What Makes These Rolls Irresistible?
What sets these rolls apart from the usual lineup? It’s the combination of zesty lemon and rich blueberry jam. The lemon zest infuses the dough with a bright citrusy note that complements the sweet blueberry filling perfectly. Add a generous spread of cream cheese frosting on top, and you’ve got a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
These rolls are perfect for any occasion – a lazy Sunday brunch, a breakfast treat with coffee, or even a special dessert. And because they’re made without eggs or nuts, they’re ideal for sharing with friends or family members who might have food sensitivities.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Rolls
These rolls can fit into your day in so many delicious ways. Whether you’re serving them warm straight from the oven or saving a few for later, they’re always a hit. Here are a few ideas:
- Breakfast Boost: Start your day on a sweet note! Pair your warm Lemon Blueberry Roll with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning treat. The fresh lemon zest and blueberry filling are a refreshing wake-up call.
- Brunch Star: These rolls are brunch-worthy and make a stunning centerpiece for your table. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a weekend treat, these rolls will impress your guests.
- Dessert Delight: Looking for a dessert that’s a little different from the usual? These Lemon Blueberry Rolls are a sweet, tangy alternative to classic cakes or cookies, with a creamy frosting that satisfies every sweet tooth.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Rolls
Yeast dough can seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be making bakery-quality rolls at home like a pro.
- Get the Milk Temperature Right: When adding warm milk to the dough, aim for a temperature no higher than 115°F. If the milk is too hot, it could kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising properly. Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate. Warm but not steaming is key!
- Sticky Dough is Good: The dough for these rolls will be sticky – don’t worry! This stickiness actually helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished rolls. If needed, add just a touch of flour when kneading, but try to avoid adding too much.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is key with yeast dough. Give the dough enough time to double in size during the first rise, and again before baking. The light, airy texture of these rolls depends on that rising time.
Why the Frosting Matters
The frosting is what takes these rolls from great to unforgettable. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sweetener, and a touch of lemon zest, the frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the blueberry filling. Spread it generously on top of the rolls while they’re still slightly warm, and watch it melt into every crevice.
If you want to get a little fancy, you can top the frosted rolls with fresh blueberries. It’s an optional step, but it adds a pop of color and an extra burst of blueberry goodness.
Lemon Blueberry Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature and cubed
- 1 cup milk warm but not hot
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter very soft
- ½ cup blueberry jam
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh blueberries to garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and instant yeast until well combined.
- Add the cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until the butter is thoroughly incorporated and resembles small crumbs.
- Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the warm milk. Stir until all the dry ingredients are moistened and form a dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and stretchy without tearing easily. Although sticky, avoid adding more than ¼ cup of additional flour.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has just over doubled in size.
Assemble the rolls
- Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 14” x 20” rectangle.
- Brush 2 tablespoons of very soft butter evenly over the surface, leaving one long edge unbuttered to seal the rolls later. Spread the blueberry jam in a smooth, even layer over the buttered surface, still keeping the same edge clean.
- Starting from the long side that has the filling spread to the edge, gently but tightly roll up the dough toward the unbuttered edge. Position the seam side down once rolled.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal sections. Arrange them in a prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F during the final rise.
- When the rolls have risen, remove the cover and bake for 22-27 minutes, until they turn golden brown and the center is firm and springs back when touched.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 15-20 minutes.
Make the frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of cream. Beat on medium-high until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If needed, add more cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls have partially cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top and serve.