Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
If your idea of the perfect breakfast or weekend treat involves fluffy, tender dough swirled with vibrant fruit and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, then Blackberry Sweet Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the tangy pop of real blackberries nestled inside pillowy rolls, every bite crowned with a drizzle of dreamy icing. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or to simply brighten a slow Sunday morning, this recipe brings joy (and a little mess of purple goodness) to any table. Trust me, these Blackberry Sweet Rolls are the kind of treat that disappears quickly and leaves everyone asking for just one more bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking unforgettable Blackberry Sweet Rolls is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of key ingredients that deliver big flavor. Each one, from the rich butter to the juicy berries, plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of soft, sweet, and tangy rolls that are truly irresistible.
- Warm Milk (3/4 cup, 110°F): Gently heated milk helps activate the yeast and gives the dough tenderness.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind those pillowy rolls, making the dough rise into a cloud of softness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1/2 cup for filling): Sweetens both the dough and the filling, enhancing the natural fruit flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup melted for dough, 2 tablespoons softened for filling): Adds richness and softness to the dough and creates those signature buttery swirls.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to its golden color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for flavor balance, making all the sweet and tangy notes pop.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, yielding a plush, tender crumb.
- Blackberries (2 cups, fresh or frozen): The star! They add juicy bursts of color and tang throughout every roll.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the fruit filling to keep it perfectly swirled within the rolls.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the berry flavor for that irresistible zing.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth glaze for the finishing touch.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons for glaze): Loosens the glaze so it can swirl beautifully over warm rolls.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with rich, classic aroma.
How to Make Blackberry Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by adding your warm milk to a small bowl, then sprinkling the active dry yeast over the top. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about five minutes until it foams up. This little step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully and have that fluffy, bakery-style texture we all crave.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is activated, add in the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 6 minutes, just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour, or until doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is always magical!
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
While the dough rises, combine those gorgeous blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. This will usually take 5 to 7 minutes. Let the filling cool completely—it’s worth the wait to keep the rolls from getting soggy inside.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape
After your dough has risen, roll it out into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Gently spread the softened butter all over the surface, then dollop and spread the cooled blackberry filling evenly across the dough. Roll it up tightly from the long side (think jelly roll-style), and slice into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, cover, and give them another 30 minutes to puff up for their final rise.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once your Blackberry Sweet Rolls have risen and look delightfully puffy, bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like a bakery. Nothing compares to the anticipation at this stage!
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls cool just slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. If you like your glaze on the thicker side, use less milk; if you crave a more pourable drizzle, thin it out a bit more. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls and watch it melt into all the delicious nooks and crannies.
How to Serve Blackberry Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
Fresh out of the oven, these rolls are swoon-worthy all on their own, but a sprinkle of extra fresh blackberries on top, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few curls of lemon zest elevates the presentation and pops the flavors even further. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a few mint leaves can make serving Blackberry Sweet Rolls feel extra special for guests or brunch spreads.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet rolls with a side of creamy Greek yogurt, a simple fruit salad, or a spread of lightly scrambled eggs for a truly complete breakfast or brunch. They’re also lovely with a strong cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea—the tart-sweet flavors of the blackberry filling balance nicely against creamy, savory, or slightly bitter accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the Blackberry Sweet Rolls on a beautiful serving platter and fan them out for easy grabbing. For a fun twist, serve them individually in parchment cupcake wrappers, or layer them into a breakfast trifle with whipped cream and extra berries. At holidays, consider baking them in a decorative skillet or round pan for a rustic, centerpiece-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left (a big “if”), store them loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, transfer them to an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to four days. The fruity filling helps keep them moist, so you’ll still enjoy softness if you don’t finish them all at once.
Freezing
Blackberry Sweet Rolls freeze remarkably well. Let the rolls cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them within two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, simply pop a roll in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes. If you’ve reserved some glaze, drizzle it fresh just before serving. The warmth brings back all the gooey, comforting vibes of homemade Blackberry Sweet Rolls!
FAQs
Can I make Blackberry Sweet Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls up to the point before the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes, then bake as usual. It’s a huge time-saver for hosting brunches or busy mornings.
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! If using frozen blackberries, just thaw and drain them well before making the filling. This keeps the filling from becoming too watery, ensuring lovely thick swirls inside your rolls.
What should I do if my dough seems too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle in extra flour one tablespoon at a time during kneading until it becomes manageable and smooth. Try not to add too much, as this can make the rolls less tender.
Is there a way to make the glaze extra rich?
For a truly decadent finish, beat in a few ounces of cream cheese with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a tangy, creamy frosting. It pairs delightfully with the zing of the blackberry filling in each roll.
How do I know when the rolls are baked through?
The edges of the Blackberry Sweet Rolls should be golden brown, and the centers no longer doughy or wet. If you’re unsure, you can gently lift a roll from the center with a spatula and check that the dough underneath is baked and fluffy. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Blackberry Sweet Rolls are one of those home-baked treats that create instant happiness, whether you’re making them for loved ones or savoring a quiet morning to yourself. Each swirl is a celebration of seasonal fruit, pillowy softness, and sweet, creamy glaze. Give this recipe a try and let the aroma, flavors, and bright burst of berries make your day a little more delicious.
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Blackberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweetness of summer with these delicious Blackberry Sweet Rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a burst of juicy blackberries and topped with a vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast, then add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix in flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Make the Filling: Cook blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. Cool.
- Assemble: Roll out dough, spread with butter and blackberry filling, roll up, and cut into rolls. Place in a baking dish and let rise.
- Bake: Preheat oven, bake the rolls until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra richness, add cream cheese to the glaze.
- Prepare rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking.
- Frozen blackberries can be used but must be thawed and drained.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus rising
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
