The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Lemon Blueberry Rolls
If you’re a fan of the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, you’re in for a treat with these Lemon Blueberry Rolls. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll infused with the zestiness of lemons, complemented by the natural sweetness of blueberries, and topped off with a luscious lemon blueberry cream cheese frosting. These rolls aren’t just a breakfast item; they’re an experience, perfect for any time of the day when you’re craving something indulgent yet refreshing. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful rolls right in your kitchen.
The Magic of Lemon and Blueberry
Lemon and blueberry are a classic combination that never fails to impress. The bright, citrusy notes of lemon pair beautifully with the sweet, slightly tart blueberries, creating a flavor profile that’s both vibrant and comforting. These rolls take this beloved duo to the next level, incorporating the flavors not just in the filling but throughout the dough and the frosting as well.
Ingredients Overview
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make these rolls so special.
- Blueberries: Frozen blueberries are used to make a simple yet flavorful jam. This jam adds a burst of natural sweetness and color to the rolls, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of fresh lemons are used in both the dough and the filling, ensuring that the lemon flavor is pronounced and well-distributed.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for these rolls, adding a creamy, tangy finish that complements the citrus and blueberry flavors.
Making the Blueberry Jam
The blueberry jam is the star of the filling. It’s easy to make and adds a wonderful layer of flavor to the rolls. Start by cooking 12 ounces of frozen blueberries with ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the jam, ensuring it holds its shape when spread over the dough. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, until it thickens and reduces to about ¾ cup. Let the jam cool before using it, and remember to set aside 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
Preparing the Lemon Roll Dough
The dough for these rolls is enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and lemon zest, which all contribute to a soft, fluffy texture. Begin by blooming the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise properly.
In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the whisked eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and softened butter, then pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Switch to a dough hook and knead the dough for 7-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
Once the dough is ready, form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen, so be patient and let the dough work its magic.
The Lemon Filling: A Burst of Flavor
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the lemon filling. This filling is what gives the rolls their intense lemon flavor. It’s made by creaming together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The result is a rich, sweet, and tangy filling that spreads easily over the dough.
Assembling and Baking the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to assemble the rolls. Start by punching down the dough to release the air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 18 x 12 inches in size. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula, then spoon the blueberry jam over the filling, spreading it out as well. The combination of lemon and blueberry at this stage is what makes these rolls so irresistible.
Next, roll the dough tightly into a long log, starting from the end closest to you. Use unflavored floss or a very sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls, each about 1 ½ inches wide. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Before letting the rolls rise for the second time, pour room temperature heavy cream in between each roll. This step adds extra richness and ensures the rolls remain soft and gooey after baking. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof in a warm spot for about an hour, or until they have doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) about 15 minutes before the rolls are done proofing. Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked lemon blueberry rolls, making the wait worthwhile.
The Final Touch: Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. Start by beating softened butter until it’s pale and fluffy, then add in cold cream cheese and mix until combined. Sift powdered sugar into the mixture gradually, mixing on low speed until everything is well incorporated.
To finish, add the reserved lemon zest and blueberry jam to the frosting. This not only adds flavor but also gives the frosting a beautiful color. Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny.
Serving and Storing Your Lemon Blueberry Rolls
These Lemon Blueberry Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough, gooey lemon blueberry filling, and creamy frosting is simply divine. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and they’ll be as good as new.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemons: The zest and juice of fresh lemons are key to achieving the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the brightness of fresh lemon.
- Don’t rush the rising time: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This may take longer than the suggested time, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Floss for clean cuts: Using unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls ensures clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
- Cream cheese consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is cold, but the butter is softened for the frosting. This creates a frosting that is fluffy but holds its shape.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
These Lemon Blueberry Rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberry is refreshing and indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Plus, the process of making them is just as enjoyable as eating them, with each step building anticipation for the final, delicious result.
So, why not take some time this weekend to bake a batch of these rolls? Your taste buds will thank you!