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Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Tangzhong Dough and Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 3hrs 50mins

Description

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls take the classic cinnamon roll recipe to the next level by adding a delicious blueberry filling and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. These soft, fluffy rolls are made with a unique Tangzhong method, which ensures they stay moist and tender even after baking. The sweet, slightly tart blueberry jam filling is paired perfectly with the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, making these rolls a perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

 


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Blueberry Filling:

  • 2 1/2 cups frozen wild blueberries
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Tangzhong:

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Tangzhong (from recipe above)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Frosting:

  • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp reserved blueberry filling
  • 2 1/2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Make the Blueberry Jam Filling:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen wild blueberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • As the berries begin to break down and thicken, dissolve the cornstarch in water, then stir it into the blueberry mixture.
  • Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
  • Set aside 1-2 tablespoons of the jam to use later for the frosting. Transfer the rest to a bowl and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Tangzhong:

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a paste-like slurry.
  • Remove from heat and scrape the tangzhong into a bowl. Let it cool before adding it to the dough.

3. Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are fully combined.
  • Add the egg, room-temperature milk, vanilla extract, and cooled tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed until a dough starts to form.
  • Gradually add the softened butter, half a tablespoon at a time, allowing each portion of butter to fully incorporate before adding more.
  • Once all the butter has been added, continue kneading the dough on low speed for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should stick slightly to the bottom of the bowl but pull away from the sides.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add half a tablespoon of milk as needed.
  • With lightly buttered hands, remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a large, lightly buttered bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
  • Roll the dough into a 20×15-inch rectangle, keeping the long edge closest to you.
  • In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar filling.
  • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Spoon the cooled blueberry jam over the cinnamon-sugar mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  • Starting from the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.

5. Cut and Bake the Rolls:

  • Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
  • Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion.
  • Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed and nearly doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) during the second rise.
  • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined and fluffy.
  • Stir in the reserved blueberry jam and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is smooth and has a spreadable consistency.

7. Frost and Serve:

  • Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Spread the blueberry cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
  • Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 3hrs 25mins
  • Cook Time: 25mins