Imagine soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls, warm from the oven, their sweet aroma filling your kitchen. Now, elevate that classic comfort with the vibrant burst of juicy blueberries and a luscious blueberry glaze. These homemade Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience, a delightful fusion of two beloved dessert worlds that promises to make any weekend breakfast or brunch truly unforgettable. Forget complicated recipes or store-bought imitations – crafting these beauties from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
Why These Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
Our recipe for blueberry cinnamon rolls stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Unbelievably Soft and Buttery Dough: The foundation of any great cinnamon roll is its dough. Ours is crafted to be exceptionally springy, light, and fluffy, melting in your mouth with every bite. The rich blend of butter and milk ensures a tender texture that is simply irresistible.
- Homemade Jammy Blueberry Filling: No mere sprinkle of berries here! We create a rich, scratch-made blueberry filling in about 15 minutes. This vibrant, fruit-forward compote guarantees an explosion of intense blueberry flavor in every swirl, perfectly complementing the warm cinnamon. It’s an adaptation of our popular blueberry compote recipe, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect consistency.
- Bright and Irresistible Blueberry Glaze: To crown these magnificent rolls, we add a generous drizzle of gooey, brightly colored blueberry glaze. Applied while the rolls are still warm, this sweet, tangy topping adds a delightful visual appeal and an extra layer of juicy blueberry goodness that makes each bite pure bliss.
- Surprisingly Easy to Master: Don’t let the impressive results intimidate you. The entire process, from mixing the dough to rolling and baking, is straightforward and incredibly satisfying. We break down each step to ensure success for bakers of all skill levels.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You’ll likely find most of the necessary ingredients already stocked in your pantry and refrigerator. We focus on everyday staples to create extraordinary flavors without requiring a trip to a specialty store.
- Perfect for Planning Ahead: Want to wake up to freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the early morning hustle? This recipe can easily be prepared the day before (overnight cinnamon rolls!) or even frozen for future baking sessions, offering ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor or freshness.
Overflowing with a luscious blueberry jam filling and generously drizzled with a vibrant blueberry glaze, these sweet rolls are a true blueberry lover’s dream, offering a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Prepare for a truly indulgent experience that will have everyone asking for more!
If you’re a devoted fan of cinnamon rolls, you absolutely must explore our other delectable variations. Treat yourself to the rich, nutty goodness of these pecan cinnamon rolls with coffee icing, or savor the fresh, fruity delight of our strawberry cinnamon rolls. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the irresistible softness you crave.
This beloved recipe was originally shared on June 29th, 2021, and has since been thoughtfully updated with expanded information and helpful tips to enhance your baking experience.
Table of Contents: Your Guide to Perfect Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Essential Ingredients for Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Step-by-Step: How to Craft These Rolls
- The Secret to Our Vibrant Blueberry Glaze
- Convenience Tips: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Pro Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
- Delicious Variations to Explore
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Crafting these extraordinary sweet rolls requires just 11 core ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture, transforming simple components into a truly special brunch indulgence.
For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please jump directly to the full recipe card below.
- Flour, Butter, Sugar, Egg, and Salt: These foundational baking ingredients form the rich, soft dough. We assume you’ll have these pantry staples readily available for your culinary adventure.
- Milk: To achieve the utmost richness and a wonderfully soft texture in your dough, we highly recommend using full-fat milk. The interplay between milk and butter is key to creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality in the finished rolls.
- Blueberries: The star of our show! Whether you opt for fresh, seasonal blueberries or convenient frozen berries, both will yield spectacular results. The beautiful rolls pictured here were crafted using frozen berries, proving their versatility year-round.
- Orange Juice: A splash of good old orange juice works wonders as a natural flavor enhancer for the blueberries, brightening their taste and adding a subtle citrusy zing that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Cinnamon: What would a cinnamon roll be without its namesake spice? Cinnamon not only provides its signature warmth but also pairs harmoniously with the sweet and tart notes of blueberries, creating a truly balanced flavor profile.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch): This essential ingredient acts as the perfect thickening agent for our easy homemade blueberry jam, ensuring it achieves a rich, spreadable consistency that stays beautifully within the rolls.
- Yeast: Don’t let yeast intimidate you; it’s a very straightforward ingredient once you understand its needs. We typically use instant yeast for its convenience, as it can be added directly to your dry ingredients without prior activation. However, active dry yeast also works perfectly; just remember it requires a short activation period in a warm liquid before use.
To complete your ultimate blueberry-themed breakfast, consider serving these rolls alongside a glass of our refreshing homemade blueberry milk. It’s the perfect way to double down on the delicious berry goodness!
The Art of Baking: How to Make These Decadent Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Contrary to popular belief, creating cinnamon rolls entirely from scratch is far simpler and more accessible than you might imagine. While pre-made dough offers convenience, we wholeheartedly encourage you to experience the unparalleled satisfaction and superior flavor that comes from making your own. The process is incredibly rewarding, from watching the dough rise to savoring the final warm, fragrant roll.
For comprehensive ingredient quantities and detailed instructions, please consult the complete recipe card below.
- Prepare the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Dough: Begin by effortlessly combining all the dough ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl (as depicted in photo 1). Mix until just combined, then knead the mixture diligently until it transforms into a wonderfully smooth and elastic dough (see photo 2). Once kneaded, cover your dough and allow it the crucial time to rise in a warm spot until it has gloriously doubled in size (as shown in photo 3). This initial rise is essential for the rolls’ signature light and airy texture.
- Craft the Luscious Blueberry Jam Filling: While your dough is undergoing its first rise, turn your attention to the delightful blueberry jam. In a saucepan, combine most of your filling ingredients (refer to photo 4) and gently cook them. Watch as the blueberries burst and release their vibrant juices, simmering until a rich, flavorful sauce forms. To achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency, thicken the mixture with a touch of cornflour (as illustrated in photo 5), transforming it into a luxurious jam ready for spreading.
- Skillfully Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down and shape it into a loose rectangle (as seen in photo 6). Then, with careful precision, roll the dough out into a large, even rectangle (refer to photo 7). Now, it’s time for the delicious filling! Evenly spread your cooled homemade blueberry jam across the dough (photo 8), followed by a generous sprinkle of fragrant cinnamon (photo 9). Tightly roll the dough into a log and, using your preferred method, slice it into 12 perfectly sized rolls (photo 10).
- The Crucial Second Rise and Baking: Lightly grease your chosen baking pan with butter. Carefully arrange your freshly cut rolls into the pan, ensuring they are placed cut-side up (as shown in photo 11). Now, cover them once more and allow them to embark on their second rise until they’ve expanded to approximately 1.5 times their original size (photo 12). Finally, transfer them to a preheated oven and bake until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown hue and are wonderfully puffy.
The entire active preparation time for these delightful rolls is a mere 30-45 minutes, making this a surprisingly achievable and incredibly satisfying baking project. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your first reward!
The Secret to Our Vibrant Blueberry Glaze
The blueberry glaze isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the experience, delivering sweet, sticky, oozy, and wonderfully gooey goodness that perfectly complements the fluffy blueberry cinnamon rolls. Its bright, natural color and intense fruit flavor are what truly set these rolls apart.
Crafting this glaze is deceptively simple: it’s a harmonious blend of vibrant blueberry puree and fine icing (powdered) sugar. To achieve the silkiest, most luxurious glaze, we highly recommend straining your blueberry puree through a fine mesh strainer or even a piece of cheesecloth. This crucial step removes any residual grittiness from the blueberry seeds, ensuring a perfectly smooth and dazzling finish that coats each warm roll beautifully.
Convenience Tips: How to Prepare These As Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked blueberry cinnamon rolls without having to rush through the entire baking process in the morning. This recipe is perfectly adaptable for making ahead, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning and freshly baked treats.
To transform these into convenient overnight cinnamon rolls, simply prepare them up to the point where they are assembled and neatly placed in your baking pan. Instead of proceeding with the second rise at room temperature, securely cover the pan with plastic wrap. Then, gently place it into your refrigerator to allow the dough to undergo a slow, controlled rise overnight.
On the morning you wish to bake them, remove the pan from the refrigerator approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking. This period allows the dough to come to a more ambient temperature, ensuring even baking and optimal fluffiness. This overnight method not only saves you precious time in the morning but also imparts an even deeper, more complex flavor to the dough, making your rolls taste even more incredible.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
Achieving bakery-quality blueberry cinnamon rolls at home is entirely within reach with a few expert insights:
- Embrace Your Stand Mixer, But Don’t Depend On It: While a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook makes the kneading process wonderfully effortless, it’s by no means a strict requirement. This dough can be kneaded perfectly well by hand. If you’re hand-kneading, resist the urge to add excessive extra flour. A pastry scraper can be an invaluable tool to assist in gathering the dough from your work surface during each knead, making the process much smoother.
- A Slightly Sticky Dough is Your Friend: As highlighted earlier, it’s crucial to avoid over-flouring the dough, especially when rolling it out or kneading by hand. A dough that remains slightly sticky will ultimately produce lighter, more tender, and incomparably fluffier cinnamon rolls. Trust the process; a little stickiness is a sign of good hydration.
- Master the Art of Cutting with Dental Floss: While a sharp knife can be used, the soft, pliable dough and slippery filling can often lead to squished rolls and displaced filling. This is where unwaxed dental floss becomes your absolute best friend. It provides an impeccably clean cut, preventing any squishing of the delicate dough or squeezing out of that precious blueberry jam. Plus, you won’t need to clean it after every slice, speeding up your assembly!
- Allow the Dough to Rest if It Shrinks Back: If, while rolling out your dough, you notice it becoming overly elastic and persistently shrinking back, take a moment to pause. Lightly cover the dough and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the gluten strands to relax, making the dough much more cooperative and easier to roll. Continuing to force a tight dough will result in firm, less tender rolls.
- Choosing the Best Baking Pan: For optimal results, a 9×13 inch metal baking tin is highly recommended. Metal conducts heat efficiently and evenly, contributing to beautifully golden and consistently baked rolls. While glass or ceramic dishes can be used, be aware that they may require a slightly longer baking time due to their different heat retention properties.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
While our classic blueberry cinnamon rolls are truly exceptional, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and presentations to suit your preferences.
- Explore Other Berries: If blueberries aren’t readily available or if you simply fancy a change, feel free to substitute them with your favorite berries. Our raspberry rolls are incredibly popular, and we can confidently say that blackberries would also make an unbelievably delicious and visually striking filling.
- Convenient Jam Filling Options: While we passionately advocate for making your own blueberry jam filling (as it allows you to precisely control the consistency, sweetness, and fresh flavor), you absolutely can opt for your favorite high-quality store-bought jam. When choosing, look for a premium variety with a good fruit content and perhaps even a few delightful fruity chunks for added texture.
- Alternative Toppings: If the blueberry glaze isn’t quite what you’re craving, there are many other delightful topping options. Consider a more traditional cream cheese frosting for a tangy-sweet contrast, or a simple vanilla or lemon glaze, much like the one found on our refreshing flourless lemon cake, to add a bright finish.
- Creative Shapes: For a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress, try shaping this versatile cinnamon roll dough into an elegant design, similar to our breathtaking Nutella Star Bread. The swirling layers would look magnificent with the vibrant blueberry filling!
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is designed to work beautifully with plain (all-purpose) flour, which will give you a wonderfully tender and soft roll. However, you can certainly use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, which some bakers prefer for added structure.
Absolutely! Blueberry cinnamon rolls are an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation. Please refer to our detailed “How to Make These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls” section above for specific instructions on preparing them the day before for ultimate morning convenience.
To maintain their freshness and delightful texture, store any leftover blueberry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days. For the best enjoyment, we recommend warming them slightly before serving.
Reheating cinnamon rolls is a fantastic way to revive their soft, fluffy texture, making them taste as if they’ve just emerged from the oven. For individual rolls, 10-15 seconds in the microwave is usually perfect. Be mindful that warming them for too long can cause the icing to become excessively hot and runny.
Yes, absolutely! While blueberries are fantastic, this recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries for equally delicious results and a unique flavor twist.
Yes, with simple substitutions, you can easily make these blueberry cinnamon rolls vegan. Simply swap the dairy butter for a high-quality vegan butter and replace the milk with your preferred plant-based milk (oat milk works exceptionally well in this recipe).
The primary difference lies in their activation. Active dry yeast typically needs to be dissolved in a warm liquid (like milk) and allowed to proof for 5-10 minutes until frothy before being added to dry ingredients. Instant yeast, however, is designed to be added directly to your dry ingredients without prior activation, saving a step. Both types work perfectly in these blueberry cinnamon rolls in the same quantities, just follow the specific instructions for activation if using active dry.
Without a doubt, the absolute best way to cut cinnamon rolls is by using unwaxed dental floss. This simple technique ensures perfectly clean, sharp cuts through the soft dough and sticky filling, without squishing the rolls or pushing out the delicious center.
More Irresistible Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed these sensational blueberry cinnamon rolls, we’re confident you’ll adore these other delightful recipes from our collection, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
- Custard Danish Pastry: A delicate, flaky pastry filled with creamy vanilla custard.
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: The classic roll infused with sweet apple and gooey caramel.
- Puff Pastry Blueberry Turnovers: Quick and easy turnovers bursting with blueberry goodness.
- Jumbo Swedish Cinnamon Buns: Larger-than-life, cardamom-spiced buns for a true Scandinavian treat.
- Nutella Star Bread: A visually stunning and incredibly delicious bread swirled with hazelnut spread.
- Iced Buns (with Coconut): Soft, sweet buns topped with a delightful coconut glaze.
- Giant Chocolate Scroll: A magnificent, shareable pastry packed with rich chocolate.
- Homemade Blueberry Pop Tarts: A nostalgic favorite, elevated with fresh blueberry filling.
If you try these truly exceptional blueberry cinnamon rolls, we would be incredibly grateful if you took a moment to leave a rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world to us and helps fellow bakers discover and enjoy this recipe!
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Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Blueberry Glaze
12
rolls
45
minutes
25
minutes
2
hours
3
hours
10
minutes
Pin
Ingredients
FOR THE CINNAMON ROLLS
- 57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup / 2oz)
- 1 cup cold milk (250ml)
- 455 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (3 ½ cups / 1lb)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast (1 sachet / 8g) (see notes)
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar (66g / 2.3oz)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
FOR THE FILLING
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (390g)
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar (50g / 1.8oz)
- 2 ½ teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 egg yolk mixed with a dash of milk or water (for egg wash)
FOR THE BLUEBERRY GLAZE
- 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) (130g / 4.6oz)
- Reserved blueberry sauce (from filling step)
For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided.
Equipment
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9×13 inch baking tin / baking dish
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Stand mixer (helpful but not necessary)
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Dental floss (for cutting)
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Medium saucepan
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Immersion blender (or standard blender)
Instructions
MAKING THE DOUGH
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In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt together the butter and approximately one-third of the milk. Stir or swirl the pan until the butter is fully melted, being careful not to overheat the mixture. Add the remaining cold milk to cool the mixture slightly, then set it aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if kneading by hand – see notes), combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give these dry ingredients a good mix to ensure they are evenly distributed.
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Pour the slightly warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Give it a quick stir to partially combine, then add the room-temperature egg.
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If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix the dough on medium-low speed for 6-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, continue for 10-12 minutes until you achieve the same smooth, elastic consistency.
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Lightly brush a clean, large bowl with a little oil. Transfer the dough into the bowl, then flip it over so that it’s coated with a thin layer of oil all over. Cover the bowl securely with a plate or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has proudly doubled in size. While it’s rising, this is the perfect time to prepare your luscious blueberry filling so it has time to cool.
FOR THE BLUEBERRY FILLING
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In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the blueberries, half of the orange juice, and the sugar. Stir regularly. Continue to cook until the blueberries begin to release a significant amount of liquid and the mixture starts to boil. Allow it to boil gently for a couple of minutes, until the berries appear to be “swimming” in their own rich juice.
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Carefully remove and set aside about ½ cup of this combined berry and sauce mixture. This will be used later for your vibrant blueberry glaze.
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In a small bowl, mix together the cornflour and the remaining orange juice until smooth. Stir this slurry into the saucepan with the remaining blueberries. Continue to cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly, until the filling becomes very thick and resembles a spreadable jam.
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If you prefer a chunkier puree with some whole blueberries, set aside a heaped spoonful of the cooked compote first. Then, carefully blend the rest of the compote (using either a standard blender or an immersion blender) until it reaches your desired chunky puree consistency.
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Allow the entire blueberry filling to cool completely to room temperature before assembling the rolls. This prevents the warm filling from impacting the dough’s texture.
ASSEMBLING THE CINNAMON ROLLS
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Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking tray with butter. This ensures your rolls don’t stick and achieve a beautiful golden crust.
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On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle, approximately 35x40cm (14×16 inches) in size and about 5mm thick. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface.
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Evenly spread the completely cooled blueberry filling over the rolled-out dough, ensuring you leave a 1-inch border uncovered along one of the longest sides. This clear edge will help seal the roll. Sprinkle the fragrant cinnamon generously over the entire filling.
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Starting from the longest side nearest you (the one without the 1-inch border), carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Work as snugly as possible without squishing out the delicious filling.
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Using unwaxed dental floss (see notes for the exact technique, which is highly recommended), cut the log into 12 even slices. This method ensures clean, perfect rolls.
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Place the cut rolls evenly spaced onto your prepared baking tray, ensuring the cut side faces upwards (presenting the cleanest spiral). Cover them lightly and allow them to rest and rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have visibly expanded to roughly 1.5 times their initial size. This second rise contributes to their ultimate fluffiness.
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While the rolls are completing their second rise, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) / 350°F.
BAKING
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Before baking, gently brush the exposed dough of the rolls with the egg yolk and milk/water mixture. This egg wash will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
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Bake for approximately 24 minutes. For even cooking and browning, remember to rotate the baking tray halfway through the baking time. Continue baking until the rolls are gloriously golden brown and cooked through.
FOR THE BLUEBERRY GLAZE
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Take the ½ cup of reserved blueberry sauce from earlier and blend it until it’s completely smooth. Combine this vibrant blueberry puree with the icing sugar, mixing until you achieve a runny, pourable glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a little more icing sugar; for a thinner consistency, a dash of water will do the trick.
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As soon as the cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven, while they are still wonderfully warm, generously spoon the fresh blueberry glaze over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze melt slightly and seep into all the delicious crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the most accurate and consistent baking results, we strongly advise you to always weigh ingredients where a weight measurement is provided as the primary quantity. Kitchen scales are an affordable investment that significantly improve baking precision. If a scale is unavailable, use the “spoon and level” method for flour (gently spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off with a straight edge, without scooping directly from the bag).
- Oven temperatures can vary significantly. We recommend testing your rolls for doneness 2-3 minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Yeast types: This recipe accommodates both instant yeast and active dry yeast. If you opt for rapid rise yeast, your dough may rise faster than indicated. If you are using active dry yeast, it is essential to activate it first: add it to the warm milk mixture (from step 1 of making the dough) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes nicely frothy, indicating it’s active, before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
- Hand-kneading the dough: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can absolutely make this dough by hand. Be prepared to knead for a longer duration, typically 10-12 minutes, until the dough is smooth, supple, and elastic.
- While blueberry cinnamon rolls are undeniably best enjoyed fresh and warm, any leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To restore their delightful softness, you can warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per roll (even with the icing on) if they feel a little stale.
- Make-ahead instructions: This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can complete the recipe up to the point where the individual rolls have been placed into the baking tin. At this stage, cover the trays tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for approximately 60-90 minutes before baking as directed.
- Cutting with dental floss technique: To achieve perfectly clean, non-squished rolls, take a long piece of unwaxed dental floss. Gently lift the rolled dough log and slide the floss underneath. Bring the two ends of the floss up and cross them over the top of the dough. Then, pull the two ends away from each other in a swift, clean motion to cut straight through the dough, creating a pristine slice.
EXPLORE MORE DELICIOUS BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH IDEAS!
305
kcal
Marie Roffey
Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
American
Have you tried this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! We love hearing from you. Please note that nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The specific brands and ingredient variations you use may cause slight differences.
Calories from Fat 54
9%
19%
15%
5%
4%
19%
13%
28%
14%
5%
8%
4%
11%
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