If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a decadent treat that combines the comforting warmth of homemade rolls with the rich and tangy flavors of cheesecake and fresh blueberries, look no further than these Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dessert. The soft and fluffy dough encases a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped off with a sweet glaze and garnished with fresh blueberries. Let’s dive into how you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Irresistibly Soft Dough: The dough is perfectly soft, light, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect base for the rich cheesecake filling.
- Creamy and Tangy Filling: The combination of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla creates a filling that’s both smooth and tangy, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these rolls warm from the oven, or serve them as a sweet treat at your next brunch gathering.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and flavor, these rolls are relatively simple to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
Ingredients
the Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Fresh blueberries for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and crack in the egg. Stir the mixture until the dough starts to come together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside until ready to use.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick. This will ensure that the rolls are evenly sized and bake properly.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to reach the edges. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Final Rise: Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes. During this time, the rolls will become puffy and fill in the gaps in the baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in the dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly cooled rolls.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls with fresh blueberries and a few mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Notes
- Rising Time: Ensure your kitchen is warm enough for the dough to rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls up to the final rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture from affecting the rolls.
Can I use a different fruit? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or even a mixed berry combination.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast? You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast. If using instant yeast, there’s no need to let the dough rise twice. You can proceed directly to shaping the rolls after the first rise.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal or special occasion. With their soft, fluffy dough, rich cheesecake filling, and fresh blueberry topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is simple enough for a weekend baking project, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for a special treat later, these rolls are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.