Homemade Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls: The Ultimate Brunch Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of homemade Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls, a perfect centerpiece for any special brunch. These delightful rolls feature a soft, pillowy dough infused with bright lemon zest, generously filled with juicy fresh blueberries and a vibrant blueberry sauce. Each roll is then generously crowned with a slightly tart lemon glaze, lovingly applied while still warm from the oven. The result is a treat that is as visually stunning as it is incredibly delicious, promising a memorable experience with every bite. Ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply a luxurious weekend breakfast, these sweet rolls are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
A Special Guest Post: Josie’s Culinary Journey Continues
We are thrilled to welcome back my talented daughter, Josie, who is once again gracing our blog with her latest culinary masterpiece: these incredible Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this post for over a month, knowing the dedication and creativity Josie pours into her recipes. Her passion for baking shines through, and these rolls are a testament to her growing skills in the kitchen.
Many of our loyal readers will remember Josie from her regular guest contributions throughout 2020. She kicked off the year with her refreshing French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad in January, followed by an updated version of her popular Homemade Play-Doh, affectionately known as “Josie-Doh,” in March. Her posts are always a highlight, blending youthful enthusiasm with truly delicious ideas.
But Josie’s journey with this blog started much earlier. In fact, her very first guest post was when she was just 11 years old, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Her decadent Red Velvet Truffles have been a beloved recipe ever since, proving that talent knows no age. We are incredibly proud to share her culinary adventures with you.
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A Heartfelt Note from Josie: Embracing New Traditions
Hello again, dear readers! So much has happened and changed since my last guest post here on An Affair from the Heart. The world has certainly been through a lot, and like many of you, our family has experienced its share of missed moments and altered plans. It’s been a challenging time, but it has also offered unique opportunities to adapt, find new ways to connect, and cherish the simple comforts of home.
I’ve always been a big fan of traditions, and I won’t lie, celebrating Easter this year felt incredibly different, even a bit of a bummer at first! I absolutely love the ritual of setting a beautiful table for big family gatherings. Since my mom traditionally hosts our family’s Easter feast, it’s usually my special task to get the table ready while she’s busy creating magic in the kitchen. Easter has always held a very special place in my heart, filled with joy, family, and delicious food.
Unfortunately, Easter 2020 unfolded in a very different way. With our whole family unable to gather physically, we decided to embrace a non-traditional approach. Instead of our usual Easter meal, we hosted a lively Mexican Fiesta from our individual homes! We still saw our family, but this year it was through the screens of a Zoom call, each of us staying safe and protected in our own houses. It was a unique experience that reminded us of the importance of staying connected, no matter the distance.
Speaking of special holidays and finding ways to celebrate, there *is* a truly wonderful occasion just around the corner that many of us can still joyfully commemorate, even while navigating current restrictions. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th this year, and what better way to show appreciation than by waking up your mom, and the rest of the family, with a homemade breakfast they’ll absolutely adore? It’s a gesture that speaks volumes, creating warmth and delicious memories.
The Sweet Origin Story: How These Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls Came to Be
The inspiration for these Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls came to me as I reminisced about some of my mom’s past recipes that I absolutely *adore!* I wanted to create something new yet comforting, a dish that would evoke those cherished memories of baking together in the kitchen. My goal was to craft the perfect treat for a Mother’s Day brunch, something special and heartwarming.
When I was younger, I developed a deep affection for my mom’s Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars. The combination of bright lemon and sweet blueberries was always irresistible. To infuse this delightful flavor profile into a Mother’s Day brunch item, my mind immediately went to another one of her fantastic creations: the Cherry Limeade Sweet Rolls she posted a few years back. Her sweet roll recipe provided the ideal foundation for the texture and form I envisioned.
So, I decided to merge the incredible flavors of the crumb bars with the tried-and-true structure of her sweet roll recipe, and *voila!* These Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls were born. Much like my mother before she first tackled her sweet rolls, I had never made homemade rolls from scratch until this recipe. It felt like a significant challenge, but with the unexpected gift of extra time on my hands, I was more than ready to master it!
To my surprise, what I anticipated would be a very difficult and intricate process turned out to be remarkably simple. The dough came together beautifully, and each step flowed smoothly. This experience taught me that sometimes the most rewarding culinary adventures begin with a leap of faith and a willingness to try something new. The satisfaction of pulling these warm, fragrant rolls from the oven was immense, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
As I mentioned earlier, the idea of making my own dough from scratch once felt quite intimidating. The sheer thought of crafting homemade sweet rolls, which seemed like a task reserved for expert bakers, felt almost impossible. However, I’m here to assure you that with a few simple, readily available ingredients, anyone can achieve these wonderfully soft and flavorful rolls. Don’t let the idea of yeast or dough scare you away; this recipe is designed for success!
Here’s a closer look at the key components that bring these rolls to life:
- **All-Purpose Flour:** The foundational structure of our dough. Using all-purpose flour provides the perfect balance for a tender yet sturdy roll.
- **Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar:** Granulated sugar is used in the dough and blueberry filling to provide sweetness and aid in yeast activation. Powdered sugar is essential for creating that smooth, decadent lemon glaze.
- **Salt:** A crucial flavor enhancer, salt balances the sweetness and brings out the best in all the other ingredients.
- **Cornstarch:** This is our secret weapon for the blueberry filling! Cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry mixture, preventing it from becoming too watery and ensuring a rich, jam-like consistency that holds its shape beautifully within the rolls.
- **Active Dry Yeast**: The magical ingredient that makes our rolls light and fluffy. Active dry yeast needs to be activated with warm liquid and a bit of sugar to wake it up and get it working. This leads to that wonderfully airy texture.
- **Milk & Water:** These liquids provide the necessary hydration for the dough. The milk adds richness and helps create a tender crumb, while water assists in activating the yeast.
- **Coconut Oil (or Butter/Vegetable Oil):** Used in both the dough and as a spread before adding the filling. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and moisture, but as I discovered, butter or a neutral vegetable oil work perfectly as substitutes, offering flexibility without compromising taste or texture.
- **Large Egg:** The egg contributes to the richness, color, and structure of the dough, making it more tender and easier to work with.
- **Fresh Blueberries:** The star of our filling! Fresh blueberries burst with flavor and add natural sweetness and a beautiful color. While fresh is preferred for optimal texture, frozen blueberries can also be used; just ensure they are not overly wet.
- **Lemons (Zest & Juice):** The vibrant, tangy counterpoint to the sweet blueberries. Lemon zest provides intense aromatic flavor, while lemon juice brightens both the filling and the final glaze, giving these rolls their signature zesty kick.
Gathering these fresh and pantry-staple ingredients is the first exciting step toward creating a truly memorable homemade treat.
Making the Sweet Rolls: A Step-by-Step Journey to Deliciousness
Embarking on the journey of making homemade sweet rolls might seem daunting at first, but with these clear steps, you’ll find it’s a rewarding process. Let’s create these delightful Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls together!
**1. Prepare the Dry Dough Ingredients:** In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Give them a quick stir to ensure they are well combined. This initial mix helps distribute the yeast evenly, which is crucial for a consistent rise.
**2. Warm the Wet Dough Ingredients:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water, milk, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (or the vegetable oil you’re using). Heat this mixture for about 1 minute on high power in your microwave. The goal is for the liquid to be warm to the touch, roughly between 105°F and 115°F (40°C-46°C). This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it. If it’s too hot, let it cool slightly.
**3. Mix and Knead the Dough:** Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Gradually add the warm liquid mixture to the dry flour mixture. Once combined, add the large egg. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes. At first, the dough will appear quite sticky, which is perfectly normal. As you continue to knead, it will become more elastic and pull away from the sides of the bowl, though it will still be soft and slightly tacky to the touch. Avoid adding too much extra flour at this stage, as it can result in tough rolls.
**4. Rest the Dough:** Carefully transfer the sticky dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Form it into a loose ball, then cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This brief rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out in the next step.
**5. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:** While the dough rests, prepare your delicious filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries have softened and released their juices, and the mixture has darkened and thickened into a luscious sauce. The cornstarch will prevent it from being too runny.
**6. Cool the Filling:** Remove the blueberry filling from the heat and allow it to cool completely. It’s important for the filling to be cool before spreading it on the dough to prevent the butter from melting prematurely and to ensure even distribution.
**7. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:** While the filling cools, preheat your oven to a low 200°F (95°C) for a moment, then turn it off. This creates a warm environment for the dough to rise. Also, prepare a rectangular baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray.
**8. Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough out into a large rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If the dough sticks, use a little extra flour, but avoid over-flouring. The rectangle dimensions should be roughly 12×18 inches, or whatever allows for even rolling.
**9. Sweeten the Filling:** Once the blueberry mixture has cooled, stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. This will enhance the sweetness and balance the tartness of the lemon and blueberries.
**10. Spread and Fill:** Spread 2 tablespoons of softened coconut oil (or butter) evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. Then, generously spoon the cooled Lemon-Berry mixture over the oiled dough, spreading it gently to the edges. This combination creates layers of flavor and moisture.
**11. Roll and Seal:** Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough towards you, creating a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal the edges, ensuring the filling stays securely inside during baking.
**12. Slice the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss, slice the dough log in half. Then, slice each half into six equal pieces, resulting in a total of 12 beautiful rolls. Aim for even thickness for consistent baking.
**13. First Rise:** Arrange the sliced rolls into your prepared rectangular baking pan. Cover the pan loosely with foil. Place the rolls inside the slightly warmed (then turned off) oven to rise for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have visibly plumped up and are nearly doubled in size. The warm, draft-free environment encourages the yeast to work its magic.
**14. Prepare for Baking:** Once the rolls have risen beautifully, remove them from the oven and set the foil cover aside. Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
**15. Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the uncovered pan of rolls back into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. The inviting aroma will fill your kitchen.
**16. Cool Slightly:** Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This brief cooling period allows them to set slightly before glazing, making them easier to handle.
**17. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:** While the rolls are cooling, prepare the bright lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and the juice of 1/2 lemon until smooth and pourable. Add a tiny bit more lemon juice if you prefer a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
**18. Glaze and Serve:** Generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the still-warm pan of rolls. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt slightly and coat them beautifully. If you desire an extra burst of lemon flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle with any leftover lemon zest. Serve these magnificent Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls immediately and enjoy!
Love Them? Pin Them!
Don’t let this amazing sweet roll recipe get lost! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board, whether it’s for brunch ideas, Mother’s Day recipes, or simply delicious homemade treats, so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes!
Sweet Rolls: The Perfect Addition to Your Mother’s Day Brunch
Creating these Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls was not only a joy but also a truly fulfilling experience. I firmly believe they would make a magnificent and heartwarming addition to any Mother’s Day brunch table. When I first began brainstorming ideas for my May guest post, one central theme kept coming to mind: Mother’s Day Brunch.
I admit, I struggled a bit to land on the perfect idea. My mom has hosted some truly spectacular brunches in the past, setting a very high bar. I found myself wondering, “What could I possibly make that would reach the level of a brunch my mom has crafted?” The pressure was on to create something truly special, something that would resonate with the love and care my mom puts into everything she does.
Thankfully, I’ve had the incredible privilege of growing up making countless recipes with my mom in the kitchen, and she happens to have this entire website brimming with a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! It was while browsing her site that I stumbled upon her fantastic sweet roll recipe. The moment I saw it, I knew I had found my winner. It was the perfect canvas to infuse with my favorite lemon and blueberry flavors, transforming it into something unique yet familiar.
These rolls represent more than just a recipe; they embody the spirit of homemade goodness, family traditions, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. What better way to celebrate Mom than with a fresh, warm, and flavorful treat baked with love?
My mom is truly one of the most passionate and dedicated people I have ever met. Her tireless effort goes into bringing you all these incredible, delicious recipes, and I am so immensely proud of how her business has blossomed. From what began as a small blog featuring cupcake and party planning posts, it has grown into this incredible, expansive website, offering a vast array of recipes to choose from. It’s inspiring to watch her passion come to life.
Not only is she exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in what she does, but she genuinely *loves* her job. That passion is evident in every recipe and every story she shares. I aspire to carry that same level of passion and dedication into my own pursuits one day. She is, without a doubt, the most caring, funny, and wonderfully creative person I know, and I am endlessly grateful that she is my mom. She teaches me so much, not just about cooking, but about life and dedication.
Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! Make sure to make your mom’s day extra special this year, perhaps with a batch of these delightful sweet rolls. I truly hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I enjoyed creating and sharing it with you.
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Print Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoon yeast
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil divided*
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer add the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast, stir to combine.
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine the water, milk, and 2 Tbs coconut oil, (I used vegetable oil) heat for 1 minute over high power.
- Using the dough hook, gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture, add the egg and knead over medium/low speed for 4-5 minutes; the dough will be sticky.
- Place the dough on a clean surface and cover with plastic wrap, let sit 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat cook the blueberries, corn starch, 1 tsp of sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice for 5-6 minutes, until darkened and soft.
- Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 200º F and prepare a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (a little extra flour will keep it from sticking to your counter).
- Stir the 1/3 c sugar into the cooled Lemon-Berry mixture.
- Spread 2 Tbs of coconut oil (I used butter) over the dough and top with the Lemon-Berry mixture.
- Starting with the long side roll the dough towards you and pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice the log in half and then slice each half into six equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into the baking pan, cover with foil, turn the oven off and place the rolls inside to rise for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
- After the rolls have risen, remove from the oven and set the foil aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and bake for 25 minutes, until golden on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven, let cool 5-10 minutes.
- In a bowl stir together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to form the lemon glaze.
- Glaze the pan of rolls and top with any extra zest if you desire. Serve.