Imagine starting your morning with the warm, delicious scent of freshly baked Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls wafting through your kitchen. These delightful treats are not only soft and fluffy, but they also feature a vibrant filling of fresh blueberries and a zesty lemon glaze that adds a refreshing twist to your typical sweet rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet indulgence any time during the day, these sweet rolls are sure to please anyone who takes a bite. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries create an irresistible flavor pair that brings brightness to any day.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
To kick off the process of making these delightful rolls, grab a small bowl and combine warm milk, sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir the mixture gently until all the sugar has dissolved, and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes frothy and bubbly, a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.
In the meantime, take a large mixing bowl and blend together the softened butter and salt, incorporating them well. Next, crack in the two large eggs and mix until smooth. Once your yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl, ensuring everything is well combined. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, kneading the mixture with your hands until a soft and pliable dough begins to form.
Once you have a nice dough, transfer it to a floured surface and begin kneading. Push and fold the dough continuously for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This hands-on process helps develop the gluten, ensuring that your rolls will be soft and chewy.
Next, it’s time for the dough to rise. Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and find a warm spot in your kitchen. Allow it to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key during this step as it allows the flavors to develop and the dough to become airy.
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the preheating is complete, gently punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×18 inches. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but this size will give you ample space for the filling.
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle lemon zest evenly across the surface of the rolled-out dough, followed by scattering fresh blueberries all over. The bright lemon and sweet blueberries will create a delicious filling that pairs beautifully with the soft dough.
Begin rolling the dough up tightly starting from one edge. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Each slice will represent one gooey, fruity sweet roll destined for your baking dish! Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, and cover them again to let them rise for another 30 minutes.
While you’re waiting and the rolls are rising, get excited for the wonderful aroma about to fill your kitchen by preparing the glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This simple yet delicious glaze will be the final touch to your warm rolls.
When the dough has risen a second time, pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Don’t forget to watch them closely towards the end to prevent over-baking.
Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. This will allow the sweet lemony flavor to soak in and enhance the overall taste. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your mouth will water as these Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls cool just a bit before serving!
Variations
While these Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls are delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some fun variations you could try:
- Berry Medley: Swap out the blueberries for a mix of berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different taste.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the filling for a wonderful crunch and added depth of flavor.
- Zesty Orange: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest to give the rolls a different citrus flavor, or mix both for a burst of citrusiness.
- Savory Additions: Add a hint of fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, to the filling for an exciting savory option.
Cooking Notes
Before you dive into making these rolls, here are a few cooking notes to ensure your success:
- Rising Temperature: The ideal temperature for dough to rise is about 75°F to 80°F. If your kitchen is too cold, consider turning on the oven briefly to warm it up and then turning it off, leaving the dough to rise inside.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading, use the palms of your hands and apply pressure as you push the dough away. Rotate the dough and fold it back towards you, repeating the process until the texture is perfect.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh blueberries will make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Don’t use frozen if you can get fresh ones!
- Storage Tips: These rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days but can also be frozen for longer shelf life. Just make sure they’re properly wrapped.
Serving Suggestions
To make the most out of your Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls, consider the following serving suggestions:
- Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
- For brunch, add a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to introduce some freshness.
Tips
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before applying glaze for a smoother finish.
- Use a serrated knife for cutting the rolls to avoid squishing them.
- Don’t rush the rising times; they are crucial for the texture of the rolls.
- If you have leftover glaze, use it as a dip for fresh fruit!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250 per roll
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
While fresh blueberries are ideal for flavor, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to do not thaw them and add them directly to the dough. This may make the rolls a bit more moist.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat in a warm oven or microwave.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! If you prefer that your rolls be less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or glaze to suit your tastes.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, consider using unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water. About 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can replace one egg.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to brighten up your mornings with some homemade sweetness, these Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls are calling your name! The soft and fluffy texture, paired with the vibrant blueberries and zesty glaze, makes for an irresistible combination that you won’t be able to resist. Whether it’s a special occasion, a weekend treat, or simply an indulgence you enjoy during the week, these sweet rolls will definitely delight anyone. Remember to share your experience or any variations you tried in the comments below! Don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with your friends and family on social media. Happy baking!
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Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
A delightful morning treat with a vibrant filling of blueberries and zesty lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Blend butter and salt in a mixing bowl; add eggs and mix until smooth.
- Add yeast mixture to the bowl; combine well and sift in all-purpose flour.
- Knead mixture until soft and pliable dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle (12×18 inches).
- Sprinkle lemon zest and blueberries on the rolled-out dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly and slice into 12 pieces; place in greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Let rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare glaze with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal per roll
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Protein: 4 g