Why You’ll Love Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing Recipe
If you love homemade cinnamon rolls but want something a little different, this recipe is a great choice. The blueberry jam adds fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon filling, while the maple icing gives every bite a rich, comforting finish. These rolls are perfect for holidays, weekend baking, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat from your own kitchen. They are soft, gooey, and full of flavor, yet simple enough to make with basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
3 large eggs, at room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
3/4 to 1 cup blueberry jam
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the maple icing:
2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt
Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top. Add the melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix with the dough hook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, add an extra 1/4 cup flour, a little at a time, until it feels smooth and easy to handle.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the blueberry jam evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed when finished. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 to 15 rolls, then place them in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish while the oven preheats.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of flaky sea salt in a bowl. If the icing feels too thick, add a little water or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour
Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations
You can easily change these cinnamon rolls to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap the blueberry jam for raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry jam for a different fruity twist. Add fresh blueberries over the jam for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the filling for a little crunch. For a richer frosting, use cream cheese in place of part of the powdered sugar glaze. You can also add a little lemon zest to the filling or icing to brighten the flavor and complement the blueberries.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place them in an airtight container once fully cooled.
To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until soft and heated through. You can also reheat a larger portion in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. If needed, add a little extra icing after reheating for a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit before baking the next day.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can mix it directly into the dough ingredients, though the rise time may be slightly shorter.
What kind of blueberry jam works best?
A smooth blueberry jam spreads most easily, but a chunkier jam can also work if you want more fruit texture in the filling.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them either baked or unbaked. Wrap them well and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating or baking.
Why is my dough too sticky?
The dough may need a little more flour depending on humidity and how the flour was measured. Add flour gradually until the dough is smooth but still soft.
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort, but the rolls will still turn out well.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and cooked through in the center. If the middle rolls still look doughy, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter works fine. You may want to add a small extra pinch of salt to the dough for balance.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in the icing?
You can substitute milk or cream for a simple vanilla glaze, though the maple syrup gives the icing its signature flavor.
Do these rolls need to be served warm?
They are best served warm because the rolls are softer and the icing melts beautifully, but they are still delicious at room temperature.
Conclusion
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing are a wonderful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The combination of tender homemade dough, sweet blueberry jam, warm cinnamon sugar, and rich maple glaze creates a comforting treat that feels perfect for both everyday baking and special occasions. Whether you serve them for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to be a memorable addition to your table.
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet blueberry jam and topped with a rich maple icing. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 – 1 cup blueberry jam
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.
- Add melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated, about 4–5 minutes. If dough is sticky, add additional flour as needed until smooth.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread blueberry jam evenly and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the edges. Slice into 12–15 rolls and place into the prepared baking dish. Cover and let rest while the oven preheats.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Thin with milk or water if needed.
- Spread icing over warm rolls, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought blueberry jam depending on preference.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually to avoid over-drying.
- Rolls can be prepared the night before and refrigerated before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Warm slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
