If you have a soft spot for warm, fruity pastries that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then this Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe will quickly become one of your most beloved go-to treats. Imagine tender, golden rolls bursting with luscious blackberry filling swirled inside a pillowy dough, all crowned with a tangy cream cheese glaze that melts delightfully with every bite. This recipe brings a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors that you’ll want to share at breakfast, brunch, or even as a cozy dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but fresh ingredients is key to getting the best flavor and texture in your blackberry sweet rolls. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s building the soft dough, creating the luscious filling, or finishing with the perfect glaze.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and soft.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for that fluffy, risen dough that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup plus ¼ cup for filling): Sweetens both dough and filling to perfection.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind and enrich the dough for a beautiful texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups plus more): Provides structure to the dough, giving those rolls their classic soft chew.
- Fresh or frozen blackberries (1 ½ cups): The star of the filling with vibrant color and juicy tartness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the blackberry filling and balances its sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the filling to keep it from making the dough soggy.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates a luscious glaze that adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the glaze with a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy drizzling over the rolls.
How to Make Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by warming your milk to about 110°F, the perfect temperature to wake the active dry yeast without killing it. Mix the yeast into the warm milk and let it sit until foamy, usually 5 to 10 minutes, signaling that it’s alive and ready. Then add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt, stirring everything together. Gradually incorporate the flour until you form a soft dough that’s a little bit tacky but not sticky. Knead this dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic before placing it in a greased bowl to rise. Cover it and find a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Blackberry Filling
While the dough is rising, focus on that amazing blackberry filling. Combine your blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture heats up, and soon you’ll see it thicken into a luscious jam-like consistency. This filling is the flavor hero, so allow it to cool completely before spreading it on the dough; this prevents any sogginess.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently roll it into a 14-by-9-inch rectangle. Take your cooled blackberry filling and spread it evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges to make rolling easier. Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam well to keep the roll intact.
Step 4: Slice and Let Rise Again
Slice the log into 9 to 12 equal pieces, depending on your preferred roll size. Arrange these in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish with enough space between them for a little expansion. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise gives the rolls that beautiful fluffy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. As the rolls bake, your kitchen will fill with the sweet smell of blackberries and freshly baked dough—absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls cool just slightly, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, drizzly consistency. The glaze adds that irresistible creamy tang that perfectly complements the fruit-filled rolls. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.
How to Serve Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Top your rolls with a few fresh blackberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant look that echoes the flavors inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple yogurt parfait or fresh fruit salad to balance the sugary richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the blackberry sweet rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand. You can also serve individual rolls in small ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any blackberry sweet rolls left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. If you want to speed up the process of enjoying them later, simply store them in the fridge overnight.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or in small batches before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls warm and gooey again, pop them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Adding a light brush of butter before reheating can restore some freshness and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the filling, which could make the dough soggy.
What happens if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough hasn’t risen, it might be due to inactive yeast or cold temperature. Try letting it rest in a warmer place or proof the yeast again with warm water before adding it next time.
Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
You can swap the cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla or lemon icing, or even a drizzle of honey for a less sweet finish. However, the cream cheese adds that signature tangy richness that complements the blackberries wonderfully.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out when baking?
Rolling tightly and pinching the seams well helps keep the filling inside. Also, letting the filling cool completely before spreading prevents it from running and soaking the dough too much.
Is it possible to add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped strawberries with the blackberries for a delightful berry medley in your sweet rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe is it. It’s a wonderful blend of fresh fruit, sweet dough, and creamy glaze that’s sure to impress family and friends. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite indulgence worth baking again and again.
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Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 9–12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Blackberry Sweet Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a luscious blackberry filling and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine the natural tartness of blackberries with a sweet, creamy finish for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For the filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add granulated sugar, melted butter, one large egg, and salt. Mix to combine all ingredients, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Blackberry Filling: While the dough rises, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Shape Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled blackberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal the rolls.
- Cut and Second Rise: Cut the log into 9 to 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–26 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze and Serve: While the rolls cool slightly, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk (2–3 tablespoons) to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Frozen blackberries can be used but should be thawed and well drained before cooking.
- Add lemon zest to the blackberry filling for an extra citrusy twist.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the microwave to restore their soft, gooey texture.
