Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Layered With A Jammy Blueberry Lemon Frosting

In the photo you can tell the difference between the regular blueberries and the wild ones!! The wild ones are teeny tiny!

I just gave cinnamon rolls the BEST spring upgrade!!

These blueberry cinnamon rolls are what I’d make if I wanted my house to feel like a little spring café. They’re soft and fluffy with layers of brown sugar cinnamon and a jammy blueberry filling that melts into every swirl. The lemon keeps everything bright, and the frosting is slightly tangy with wild blueberries running through it!

This recipe starts with my go to cinnamon roll base, the one I always come back to when I want something soft, reliable, and comforting. I didn’t change the dough because it already works so well, so instead I built on top of it. You still get that classic brown sugar and cinnamon layer that makes a cinnamon roll feel familiar, but then I added a jammy blueberry compote to bring in a brighter, more fresh flavor. It is the same foundation, just layered in a way that makes it feel a little more special and a little more like spring

Why the wild blueberries?

What’s the difference between wild blueberries and regular blueberries?

Wild blueberries are smaller, darker, and more flavorful than regular blueberries. They tend to be sweeter but also slightly more tart, which gives them a stronger “blueberry” taste overall. Because they’re smaller, you get more berries in every bite, which works really well in recipes like cinnamon rolls.

Yes! You can use regular blueberries instead of the frozen wild ones. However, If you can find wild blueberries, they make a huge difference!

If you use regular blueberries, just keep in mind:

  • The flavor will be a little more mild

  • The filling may be slightly more watery

  • You might want to cook the compote a little longer to thicken it

The garnishes are what really bring these rolls together and make them feel finished. After frosting, I like to add a few small spoonfuls of the blueberry compote on top and gently swirl it in so you get that jammy look throughout. Then I add fresh blueberries for texture, a little lemon zest for brightness, and a few chamomile flowers for a soft, floral touch. It is simple, but it makes the rolls feel more intentional and gives them that extra layer that makes people stop and look twice before taking a bite!! I love adding little bits of whimsy into my baked goods.

🫐Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Layered With A Jammy Blueberry Lemon Swirl

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

  • 1 cup milk, warm to the touch (not too hot)

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 Tbsp melted butter

  • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before baking)

For the Blueberry Filling (Compote):

  • 2 cups frozen wild blueberries

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 Tbsp water

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

  • 6 Tbsp softened butter

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)

  • 1 Tbsp molasses

For the Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 6 Tbsp softened butter

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 3 Tbsp blueberry compote

For Topping:

  • Reserved blueberry compote

  • Fresh blueberries

  • Lemon zest

  • Chamomile flowers

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt.

Add flour and mix until a dough forms. If sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Knead for about 4 minutes until soft and slightly tacky.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.

2. Make the Blueberry Compote

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

Cook for 4–5 minutes until the berries burst.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook until thick and jam-like.

Remove from heat, add vanilla + salt, and let cool completely.

Set aside a few tablespoons for frosting + topping.

3. Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses until smooth and spreadable.

4. Roll + Layer

Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.

First, spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the dough.

Then gently spread a layer of the cooled blueberry compote on top.

Don’t overdo the compote! a thin layer prevents leaking.

Roll the dough up lengthwise into a tight log and cut into 8 rolls.

5. Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan.

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Pour heavy cream evenly over the rolls.

6. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil.

Cool for 5–10 minutes.

7. Make the Frosting

Beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.

Add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.

Fold in 3 Tbsp blueberry compote for a light swirl.

8. Finish

Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Spoon over a little extra blueberry compote and swirl.

Top with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and chamomile flowers.

 

A Recipe by Madeline May

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls Layered With a Jammy Blueberry Lemon Swirl

Breakfast • Dessert • Cinnamon Rolls

Prep
1 hr 30 mins
Cook
25–30 mins
Total
2 hrs
Yield
8 rolls
Category
Breakfast
Difficulty
Intermediate

Soft homemade cinnamon rolls layered with a jammy blueberry lemon compote, baked with cream for extra tenderness, and finished with blueberry cream cheese frosting. They're perfect for brunch, holidays, or slow weekend mornings.

Ingredients

Rolls

Blueberry Filling

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Topping

Instructions

  1. Make the dough Whisk together the warm milk, yeast, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix in the flour and knead for about 4 minutes until soft. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  2. Make the blueberry compote Cook the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice until the berries burst. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook until thickened. Add the vanilla and salt, then cool completely. Reserve some for the frosting and topping.
  3. Prepare the cinnamon filling Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, molasses, and cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Assemble the rolls Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread with the cinnamon filling followed by a thin layer of blueberry compote. Roll tightly and slice into 8 rolls.
  5. Second rise Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the rolls.
  6. Bake Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5–10 minutes.
  7. Make the frosting Beat together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar, then fold in the blueberry compote.
  8. Finish Spread the frosting over the warm rolls, swirl with extra blueberry compote, and garnish with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and chamomile flowers.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Make Ahead

Prepare the rolls through shaping the night before. Refrigerate overnight, then let them come to room temperature before baking.

A Note from Madeline May

Allow the blueberry compote to cool completely before spreading so it stays thick and doesn't make the dough soggy.

A Recipe by Madeline May • madelinemayco.com
 

Browse More Recent Recipes

 
Previous
Previous

Harvest Basket Crudités

Next
Next

Pinwheel Sandwich Trio