Blueberry and Lemon Cream Rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with sweet blueberries and tangy lemon cream cheese filling — a perfect balance of fruity and creamy in every bite.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour (optional for fluffier texture)
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yields: 12 rolls
Introduction
If you love the fresh pop of blueberries and the bright zing of lemon, these Blueberry and Lemon Cream Rolls are your dream breakfast (or dessert!). Imagine soft, tender rolls layered with juicy blueberries and swirled with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a light lemon glaze.
They’re perfect for brunch gatherings, weekend treats, or when you just want to impress without too much hassle.
These rolls use a yeast-based dough for pillowy softness, but if you’re in a rush, there’s also a quick dough option included below.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
-
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
-
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (around 100°F or 38°C)
-
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
-
2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
-
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
-
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
-
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
-
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Layer:
-
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on sweetness)
For the Lemon Glaze:
-
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
-
1–2 tbsp lemon juice
-
1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
-
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
-
Knead the dough: Mix until a dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but smooth.
-
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shortcut Option: Skip the rise and use the dough immediately. Your rolls will still be tasty but slightly less fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the lemon cream:
-
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
-
In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar (if using).
-
Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens and blueberries burst slightly. Let cool before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
-
Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
-
Spread the filling: Spread the lemon cream evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
-
Add the blueberry layer: Spoon the cooled blueberry mixture over the lemon cream.
-
Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
-
Arrange in pan: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, slightly spaced apart.
Step 5: Final Rise (Optional)
Let the rolls rise again for 20–30 minutes. This gives a lighter, fluffier texture but is optional if you’re short on time.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and the centers are set.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over slightly cooled rolls and top with lemon zest if desired.
Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy the sweet-tart bliss!
Serving Ideas
These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by:
-
Serving with a dollop of whipped cream
-
Adding extra fresh blueberries on top
-
Pairing with coffee or tea
-
Serving with a side of Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs for brunch
Storage & Reheating
-
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
-
Freezing: Freeze individually or as a whole tray (unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Recipe Variations
-
Strawberry Lemon Rolls: Swap blueberries for strawberries or mixed berries.
-
Lemon Curd Rolls: Use lemon curd instead of cream cheese for a punchier lemon flavor.
-
No-Cream Version: Skip the cream cheese for a lighter, fruit-only roll.
-
Citrus Twist: Try orange or lime zest in place of lemon.
Nutrition Info (Per Roll – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–270 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use and your portion size.
Summary
-
Recipe Name: Blueberry and Lemon Cream Rolls
-
Prep Time: 25 minutes
-
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
-
Difficulty: Medium
-
Best for: Brunch, breakfast, dessert
-
Texture: Soft, fluffy, creamy, fruity
-
Flavor: Sweet blueberries + zesty lemon + rich cream
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Definitely. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought crescent roll or pizza dough, though it won’t be as rich or fluffy as homemade dough.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use plant milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Blueberry and Lemon Cream Rolls are sunshine in pastry form. Bursting with flavor, they’re soft and satisfying with just the right balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a spring party, or just a cozy treat, they’re bound to impress.
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly simple — and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven, and these rolls are your ticket to enjoying them in the most delicious way.