There’s something truly nostalgic about the aroma of sweet rolls baking in the oven—the warm scent wrapping around your home like a soft blanket. Now imagine that comfort mixed with the zesty burst of lemon and juicy blueberries. These Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls aren’t just a twist on a classic—they’re a radiant celebration of spring mornings, Mother’s Day brunches, or any quiet weekend when you want something special.

Growing up, my grandmother had a lemon tree right outside her kitchen window. When spring rolled around, the tree bloomed with golden fruit, and baskets of lemons found their way into everything—lemon pies, lemon curd, and of course, sweet rolls. She would pair them with wild blueberries picked from the fields behind her house, and I still remember how the citrus zing balanced perfectly with those sweet berries. That memory lives on in this recipe.

These rolls are tender, fluffy, and generously swirled with a homemade blueberry compote. Topped with a velvety lemon cream cheese frosting, they’re a dreamy addition to brunch spreads or a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect Flavor Harmony: Tart lemon and sweet blueberries create a delightful contrast.
• Soft, Pillowy Texture: The bread flour gives the dough a tender, bakery-style finish.
• Fresh or Frozen Berries Work: You can enjoy these rolls year-round.
• Ideal for Make-Ahead Baking: Prep the night before and bake in the morning.
• A Standout Brunch Dish: These sweet rolls are beautiful on any spring or summer table.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Dough:

• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup warm milk (2% or whole)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons quick-rise or active yeast
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¼ cup melted salted butter
• 3 ¼ cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

HOW TO MAKE LEMON BLUEBERRY SWEET ROLLS

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Blueberry Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency. This takes about 5–10 minutes. Set aside to cool—your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.

2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine lemon zest and sugar. Warm the milk until just slightly hot to the touch (around 110–115°F), and mix it with the sugar zest mixture. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for a few minutes until it begins to foam.

Add in the egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Stir to combine. Gradually mix in the flour and salt. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 1 to 1½ hours. This is the perfect time to sip some coffee and plan your brunch.

4. Assemble the Rolls
Once risen, roll the dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cooled blueberry mixture evenly over the dough, avoiding the edges. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the shorter side.

Slice into 9 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9-inch baking dish.

5. Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 45 minutes, or until they look puffy and snug in the pan. You can also refrigerate them overnight at this point and bake them in the morning.

6. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the sweet rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the Frosting
Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Spread this tangy frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into the swirls.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Frozen Blueberries? Use them straight from the freezer to prevent extra moisture.
• Don’t Overflour: Add just enough flour for the dough to pull away from the bowl.
• Proof in the Oven: Create a warm space by turning on your oven light or placing a bowl of hot water on the lower rack.
• Make It Ahead: Refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, then bake.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 9 rolls
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• These rolls can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 3 months.
• Feel free to skip the almond extract if preferred; it’s subtle but adds depth.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (per roll, approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 20g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour provides a chewier, more tender texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I use dairy-free substitutes?
Absolutely! Swap dairy milk, butter, and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Room Temp: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze without frosting for 2–3 months. Thaw and frost after reheating.

Related Recipes:

If you liked these lemon blueberry sweet rolls, you’ll love:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
• Blackberry Sweet Rolls
• Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

CONCLUSION:

These Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls are the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something a little magical. They’re soft, bursting with flavor, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these sweet rolls promise comfort, joy, and a little taste of sunshine in every bite.

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