Easy Blueberry Sweet Rolls with Flaky Pastry and Vanilla Glaze

Blueberry sweet rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a burst of fresh berries and a hint of lemon zest. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert, with a flaky pastry and rich vanilla glaze that make every bite indulgent. Plus, this recipe uses store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with ready-made dough.
• Perfect Texture: Flaky and buttery pastry filled with juicy blueberries.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of blueberries, lemon, and vanilla creates a bright, fresh flavor.
• Versatile: Ideal for any time of day – breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Customizable: Try different fruits or fillings to make it your own.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round baking dish
• Small mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin (optional, if using puff pastry)
• Whisk

Recipe for Easy Blueberry Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

Yield: 8 rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Rolls

• 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for a flakier option)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crescent roll dough or puff pastry to form a rectangle. If the crescent roll dough is perforated, pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a small bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Mix until the blueberries are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Dough

Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly to form a log. Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces to create individual rolls.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared baking dish, arranging them close together but with a little space for expansion. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm rolls. For an extra touch of brightness, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top of the glaze just before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Helpful Notes and Variations

• Use Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before mixing with the filling ingredients to prevent excess moisture.
• Try Puff Pastry: For a flakier result, substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry. Just roll it out slightly before filling.
• Add Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the dough before adding the blueberries for a richer filling.
• Experiment with Other Fruits: Substitute blueberries with other berries, diced apples, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Avoid Overfilling: As pastry chef Claire Saffitz advises, don’t overfill your rolls with fruit; this can cause them to burst open while baking.
• Chill the Dough for Easy Slicing: To get clean slices, chill the rolled-up dough for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before slicing.
• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends using fresh lemon zest to brighten and enhance fruit flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Q: Can I make these rolls without glaze?
A: Definitely! The rolls are delicious on their own, especially with the sweetness from the blueberries. The glaze just adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.

Q: Can I use regular roll dough instead of crescent dough?
A: Yes, regular roll dough will work, but the texture will be less flaky and more bread-like compared to crescent or puff pastry dough.

Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: Add more powdered sugar to the glaze mixture to achieve a thicker consistency.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

These easy blueberry sweet rolls are a quick, versatile treat that are sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, fruity, and flaky pastries. Enjoy your baking!

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