Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls
Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes
I can’t begin to describe how much we enjoy these Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls in the morning! The zesty lemon combined with juicy blueberries creates an uplifting flavor that awakens my taste buds. These rolls are delightfully soft and fluffy, making them the perfect complement to a steaming cup of coffee. The best part? I love how simple the recipe is – it provides a feeling of accomplishment without taking too much time away from my busy mornings. You’ll want to add these to your breakfast repertoire for sure!
When I first started making these rolls, I was blown away by how the brightness of the lemon really enhanced the natural sweetness of the blueberries. The combination is a match made in heaven! I discovered that letting the dough rise longer results in even fluffier rolls, which is a game-changer for me.
Another tip I learned is to use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. The aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible! Every bite is a delightful reminder of sunny mornings, and I guarantee you’ll want to share them with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright citrus flavor from fresh lemons and sweet blueberries
- Soft, fluffy texture that's perfect for breakfast or brunch
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones
Dough Preparation Tips
When making the dough for these Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls, it's crucial to ensure that your milk is warmed to around 110°F (43°C) without being too hot, as excessively high temperatures can kill the yeast. I recommend using a thermometer for accuracy. Once combined, the dough should be kneaded for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. A well-kneaded dough will result in rolls that are light and fluffy after baking.
Allowing the dough to rise is essential for developing flavor and texture. Place your covered bowl in a warm, draft-free spot; the ideal temperature for rising is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If your kitchen is a bit cool, consider turning on your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes and then turning it off, placing the dough inside to rise. This method can yield beautifully soft rolls once baked.
Filling and Flavor Balance
The filling of fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice adds not just sweetness but also a tangy brightness that is vital for balancing the richness of the dough. You might be tempted to use frozen blueberries, but fresh ones offer better texture and burst during baking. If using frozen, increase the baking time slightly, as they retain moisture that can affect the roll's structure. Always ensure the filling is evenly spread to avoid uneven baking.
Mashing the blueberries slightly helps release their juices and creates a more cohesive filling. However, be careful not to over-mash; you want to maintain some whole berries for those delightful bursts of flavor in every bite. This technique also ensures that the filling doesn’t overflow during baking, which could lead to a messy pan and cause the rolls to stick together.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice, and gently mash the mixture with a fork to release some juices.
Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the dough and roll it up tightly, then cut into 12 slices. Place the slices in a greased baking pan.
Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before icing.
Prepare the Icing
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Pro Tips
- For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for added warmth and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese spread. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds an extra layer of brightness that complements the flavors beautifully. Pair them with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of herbal tea for a wonderful breakfast or brunch gathering with friends and family.
If you want to make your breakfast spread even more vibrant, consider serving these rolls alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait. The tangy yogurt will match well with the rolls' sweetness, and using seasonal fruits can create a colorful plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will revive their fluffy texture while keeping the icing intact.
To thaw frozen rolls, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. To prevent them from drying out, cover them with a clean kitchen towel while thawing. If you’d like to enjoy them warm, after thawing, just pop them in the oven as mentioned above. This way, they’ll taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
→ How can I keep the rolls fresh?
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
→ What can I substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for whole milk.
Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls
I can’t begin to describe how much we enjoy these Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Rolls in the morning! The zesty lemon combined with juicy blueberries creates an uplifting flavor that awakens my taste buds. These rolls are delightfully soft and fluffy, making them the perfect complement to a steaming cup of coffee. The best part? I love how simple the recipe is – it provides a feeling of accomplishment without taking too much time away from my busy mornings. You’ll want to add these to your breakfast repertoire for sure!
Created by: Lavinia Moore
Recipe Type: Favorite Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
For the Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour.
In a small bowl, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice, and gently mash the mixture with a fork to release some juices.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the dough and roll it up tightly, then cut into 12 slices. Place the slices in a greased baking pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before icing.
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Extra Tips
- For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for added warmth and flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g